Unveiling The Crow's Nest News of August 3, 2020
Park University News Roundup: August 2020
Park University has been busy this summer, with a variety of events, rankings, and achievements to report. Here's a roundup of the latest news:
Academic Achievements
Park University has been recognised for its online degree programs, with EdSmart.org ranking Park No. 28 on its "Best Online Computer Science Degree Programs" list, and Learn.org ranking Park No. 31 on its "Best Online Bachelor's Degree Programs" list. Additionally, BestMastersPrograms.org ranked Park No. 12 on its "25 Best Online Executive MBA for 2020" list.
Faculty Achievements
Several faculty members have been recognised for their expertise and contributions. Gina Chambers, Ph.D., and Suzanne Tiemann, Ph.D., assistant professors of education, were interviewed on KSHB-TV discussing how the coronavirus pandemic has forced educators to re-imagine models for teaching and touching on Park's Master of Education in Educational Technology for Teachers program. Jack MacLennan, Ph.D., assistant professor of political science, appeared on KCUR-FM discussing online and distance learning in the wake of the pandemic. Alla Adams, Ph.D., and Harold Griffin, Ph.D., presented their article on "Overcoming Skill Gaps Using Conferencing Technology in the Virtual Classroom" at the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs Conference.
Student Achievements
Nada Meawad, a women's volleyball student-athlete, participated in a live interview on the subject on KCUR's "Up to Date" program on July 14. Kailei Edwards, who recently signed to be a student-athlete at Park University's Gilbert Campus as a member of the women's basketball team, was featured in a cover story in her hometown newspaper, The Independent, in Moriarty, N.M., on July 29. A feature story on Mario Segura, who recently signed to be a student-athlete at Park University's Gilbert (Ariz.) Campus as a member of the baseball team, appeared in the San Tan Valley (Ariz.) Sentinel on July 14.
Events
The Fall Faculty Conference will take place virtually on August 11-12. The International Center for Music Gala is scheduled for September 17, with the location yet to be announced. The 2020 Park University Golf Scramble is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 12, at The National Golf Club of Kansas City, limited to 25 teams due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Community Engagement
Park University President Greg Gunderson penned a letter in support of social justice on July 16. Lisa Hickok, executive director of the International Center for Music, was featured in an article that appeared in The Independent, Kansas City's journal of society, on July 10. Pamela Stewart, '88, M.D., was featured in a story that appeared in the Garden City (Kan.) Telegram on July 7, about her recent opening of Buffalo Plains Health Center in the town.
Cancelled Events
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, several events have been cancelled, including the September 17 Fort Irwin (Calif.) Campus Commencement, the September 18 Naval Support Activity Mid-South Millington (Tenn.) Campus Commencement, and the September 17-19 Homecoming and Family Weekend on the Parkville Campus.
Rescheduled Events
The August 8 El Paso (Texas) Campus / Fort Bliss (Texas) Campus / Holloman Air Force Base (N.M.) Campus Commencement has been rescheduled for January 30, 2021. The September 17 Fort Irwin (Calif.) Campus Commencement has been tentatively rescheduled for an unknown date in January 2021. The International Center for Music Concert: Stanislav and Friends Virtual Broadcast is scheduled for September 25-27.
Sponsorship Opportunities
A variety of sponsorship packages are available for the Park University Golf Scramble, ranging in price from $1,400 to $5,000.
Park University Golf Scramble
The Park University Golf Scramble benefits the University's Parkville Campus athletics programs. Registration fees for the event are $225 per golfer or $900 per four-person team.
Immigration Update
Stories about Park University's response to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announcement that international students would have to leave the country or risk deportation if colleges switch to online-only courses (as a result of the coronavirus pandemic) aired on Kansas City area media outlets on July 8-9. KCTV, KSHB-TV, WDAF-TV, and KCUR-FM interviewed President Greg Gunderson, Ph.D., and KCTV and KSHB-TV interviewed women's volleyball student-athletes Nada and Noura Meawad for their thoughts on the situation.
Appointments and Recognitions
Lisa Hickok was appointed as the executive director of the International Center for Music at Park University. Brad Kleindl, Ph.D., was elected to a three-year term to serve on ACBSP's Accreditation Governance Board. Alissia Canady, '08, a former member of the Kansas City, Mo., City Council and a 2020 candidate for Missouri lieutenant governor, was featured in Essence magazine on July 24, as she attempts to be the first Black person to be elected to a Missouri statewide office.
In Conclusion
Park University continues to excel in academics, community engagement, and athletics, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. We look forward to the upcoming events and achievements and are grateful for the support of our community.
Park University's faculty members showcased their expertise in both general news and education-and-self-development topics, with Gina Chambers, Suzanne Tiemann, Jack MacLennan, Alla Adams, and Harold Griffin being featured in several media interviews and presentations. Furthermore, the university's sports department made headlines, as student-athletes Nada Meawad and Kailei Edwards received coverage in general news and sports-specific publications, respectively.
