News Dispatch from The Crow's Nest - April 7, 2025 Edition
Park University Achieves Milestones in Academia and Athletics
Park University in Parkville, Missouri, continues to make strides in various fields, with recent accomplishments in academia and athletics.
Two athletes from the University's Parkville campus earned national NAIA weekly honors in their respective sports. Raliek Redd, a men's basketball player, and Alex Rodriguez, a baseball player, have been recognized for their exceptional performances.
In the realm of academia, several faculty members have made significant contributions. Dr. Paul Orscheln, a seasoned professional with 26 years of experience in student success and enrollment, has been appointed as the Vice President of Enrollment and Student Services at Park University, effective March 3. Dr. Orscheln brings a proven track record in enrollment strategy, student success, and institutional growth to his new role.
Dr. Paul Orscheln's role at Park University involves overseeing student recruitment, admissions, enrollment management, and support services such as advising, counseling, and retention programs. However, specific details about his responsibilities are yet to be found on the University's official website.
Several faculty members have also presented at conferences and events. Dr. Adrian James, Associate Dean of the College of Management and Associate Professor of Management, presented on "Lessons in Leadership and Learning". Matt Harris, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Political Science, was a panelist on KCUR-FM's "Up to Date" in Kansas City, and he was also interviewed by RTVI, a Russian-language television network based in New York City, regarding President Donald Trump's tariff reduction proposal if China agrees to a TikTok deal.
Moreover, eleven faculty members presented sessions at the Kansas City Professional Development Council's Enhancing Teaching and Learning Conference. Amber Dailey-Hebert, Ph.D., Director of the Faculty Center for Innovation and Professor of Organizational Leadership and Adult Learning, delivered a keynote address titled "Learning as the New Competitive Advantage".
The Park University International Center for Music (ICM) is another area of the University that has been active. The ICM's 2024-25 season will host its final two concerts of the season in a span of 12 days. The season finale performance will feature guest conductor Barbara Yahr and cellist Diyorbek Nortojiev. International Center for Music students Nikita Korzukhin, cellist, and Ali Mammadoff, pianist, appeared live on Kansas Public Radio.
Park University is also preparing for several upcoming events, including the Dr. Doris A. Howell Leadership Awards, the Student Research and Creative Arts Symposium, and the International Center for Music Concert: ICM Orchestra with Guest Conductor Barbara Yahr.
In athletics, senior baseball catcher Ricardo Hernandez was named NAIA Baseball Player of the Week, and freshman Rosjai Curtis earned the NAIA Women's Outdoor Field Athlete of the Week.
The University has also signed an agreement with KU's ROTC program for KU to provide ROTC instruction and training to qualified students at Park, effective Fall 2025.
As Park University celebrates its 150th anniversary, the University's Barnes and Noble Bookstore has two items on sale to commemorate the occasion, with a third item set to become available soon.
Park University is indeed a vibrant hub of activity, with its faculty, students, and athletic teams making significant contributions in various fields.
- Park University, beyond academia and athletics, is also a platform for faculty development, with Dr. Adrian James presenting on "Lessons in Leadership and Learning," and Matt Harris being a panelist in general news discussions and an interviewee on a Russian-language television network.
- The university's Education and Self-Development initiatives extend to various departments; for instance, Amber Dailey-Hebert, Director of the Faculty Center for Innovation, delivered a keynote address on "Learning as the New Competitive Advantage" at a Professional Development Council event.
