"The Crow's Nest Update - 11th June, 2024"
Park University has been making headlines recently, with a multitude of achievements across various fields. From academics to athletics, and music to community service, the institution continues to excel in its mission to provide quality education and opportunities for its students.
Sports Accolades
A total of 53 student-athletes were honoured as NAIA Scholar-Athletes, demonstrating the university's commitment to academic excellence alongside athletic prowess. Three men's track and field athletes qualified for the NAIA Men's Track and Field Championships, while the Park University baseball team played in the national tournament for the first time since 2008.
In beach volleyball, Arianna Marino and Grecia Ung were named to the first team All-America, and Izabella Ceratti and Carla Pons Sales were named to the second team. The women's beach volleyball pairs also earned Top Flight awards from the American Volleyball Coaches Association, positioning them among the elite in NAIA beach volleyball.
Academic Achievements
Yang Sun, Ph.D., dean of the College of Management, co-authored an article published in the May edition of the Journal of Electronic Commerce Research. Meanwhile, Manoj Khatiwada, a graduate student in the Master of Science in Information Systems and Business Analytics program, was awarded a scholarship from the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Kansas City.
Musical Milestones
The International Center for Music at Park University announced its list of performances for the 2024-25 concert season. Highlights included the Stanislav and Friends concert, which was aired in two parts on KWJC-FM (Classical KC). Pianist Kenny Broberg, MM '21, also appeared on the "Kansas City Local Feature" program that aired on KWJC-FM.
Community Engagement
Kari Rowe, a former Park University women's soccer player and current second-grade teacher at Line Creek Elementary School, was named the Blue KC Sporting Samaritan for April. Gini Fite, adjunct instructor of sport and exercise science, will be recognized by the National Athletic Trainers' Association.
Media Appearances
Matt Harris, associate professor of political science, was interviewed by several media outlets, including KMBC-TV, KMBZ-FM, WDAF-TV, and RTVI, on various political topics, from the Missouri legislature not passing initiative petition reform to key U.S. House of Representatives committees voting to advance contempt proceedings against U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland.
Board of Trustees and Leadership Changes
Andrea Hendricks, Ed.D., Merideth Rose, and Kathrine Swanson, Ed.D. were elected to serve a three-year term on the Park University Board of Trustees. Terry Calaway, Ed.D., was elected Chair of the Park University Board of Trustees for the 2024-25 fiscal year.
Stephenie Price, '11, was appointed chief of police for the city of Beaufort, S.C. (where Park University has a campus at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort). Erik Bergrud, chief strategic communications officer, was the featured speaker at the Parkville (Mo.) Area Chamber and Economic Development Council's monthly luncheon.
Notable Alumni
Command Master Chief Lateef Compton, '08, was selected to be the next fleet master chief for U.S. Naval Forces Europe and U.S. Naval Forces Africa. Suzi McCoy, '98, was highlighted in a "Woman of Wilson" feature in The Wilson (Co., Tenn.) Post. Gary Parker, '94, owner of BBQ2U in Gig Harbor, Wash., was recognized as the South Sound Citizen of the Year by South Sound magazine.
Recognition for Faculty
Cameron Harris, assistant professor of nursing, was featured in a story related to American Stroke Month that aired on KMBC-TV in Kansas City. Kimberly Dunwoody, Ed.D., adjunct instructor of business analytics, presented at the Benefex Forum in London. Laurie DiPadova-Stocks, Ph.D., professor of public administration at Park University, was granted professor emeritus status posthumously.
Other Noteworthy Events
A program will provide an update on the Valor Medals Review Project being conducted by the George S. Robb Centre for the Study of the Great War at Park University. Benny Lee, a member of the Park University Board of Trustees, was featured in The Independent, Kansas City's journal of society. Alynna Palacios, a sophomore at Arizona Western College, signed to play women's basketball for Park University's Gilbert (Ariz.) Campus.
Ivri Margolin, a freshman pitcher for Park University's Gilbert (Ariz.) Campus baseball team, was featured on Cronkite News in Phoenix. A center spread of photos from the Park University International Center for Music's Stanislav and Friends concert in early March was in the May 4 issue of The Independent.
These achievements serve as a testament to Park University's commitment to fostering a vibrant and engaging community that values academic, athletic, and artistic excellence.
Students at Park University demonstrated a remarkable balance between education and self-development, with the women's beach volleyball pairs earning Top Flight awards from the American Volleyball Coaches Association and some student-athletes qualifying for the NAIA Men's Track and Field Championships, showcasing their sporting skills alongside academic prowess.
Additionally, the university's commitment to education was evident in Manoj Khatiwada, a graduate student, being awarded a scholarship for his work in the Master of Science in Information Systems and Business Analytics program.
