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| Steve Youngblood |
Youngblood teaching peace journalism seminars in Uganda
Steve Youngblood, associate professor of communication arts, has been to a number of countries over the years, including several developing countries. But those may pale in comparison to the current trip Youngblood is on -- to the war-torn African country of Uganda. While in Uganda through Monday, July 20, Youngblood will teach five seminars in peace and development journalism, four of them in the northern reaches of the country and one in the capital city of Kampala. "Not exactly tourist destinations," he said in his blog. So why is Youngblood, a two-time J. William Fulbright Scholar (going to Moldova in 2001 and Azerbaijan in 2007) who has organized peace journalism seminars in the U.S., Azerbaijan and the Republic of Georgia, doing it?
"I'm just foolish enough to believe that I can make a positive difference for my Ugandan students (professional radio journalists mostly) and those they report about. I am also heading for Uganda because I know that, like my other international experiences, this one will help make me a better professor, thus benefiting my Park University students," he said. "Additionally, I'm teaching a peace journalism course next spring, and this trip will provide invaluable background and context for my students. Also, I like to explore."
The trip and his seminars are sponsored by the U.S. Agency for International Development and the U.S. Embassy-Kampala. Keep track of Youngblood's adventures in Uganda on his blog at http://captain.park.edu/syoungblood/peace.htm.
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| Dr. Josephine Agnew-Tally |
Agnew-Tally appointed to journal editorial board
Josephine Agnew-Tally, Ed.D., dean of the School for Education, was recently appointed to the editorial board of the Journal of the International Society for Teacher Education. This refereed journal is sent to colleges and schools of education internationally. The ISFTE is dedicated to the improvement of teacher education in all settings by fostering discussion, critical analysis and dissemination of ideas from research and innovative practice in teacher education.
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| Dr. Cathy Taylor |
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| Dr. Heather Zeng |
Taylor, Zeng present Online instruction session for conference
Cathy Taylor, J.D., assistant professor of management, and Heather Zeng, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology, both Online instructor evaluators, co-presented an Online session on "Evaluation of Online Instruction: Tips for Evaluatees and Insights of an Instructor Evaluator" for the 2009 Online Teaching Conference in Aptos, Calif., June 11-12. The presentation provided tips for instructors who may be evaluated, including ethical and legal issues, and insights on effectively mediating the relationship between evaluators and evaluatees.
Holloman AFB raise funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters
Park University staff, students and alumni from the Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., Campus Center recently raised money for an organization and had fun at the same time. The group participated in the Bowl for Kids' Sake event on May 9 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Otero County (N.M.). The five members of the Park team raised approximately $500 for the organization. Those participating were (in adjacent photo, from left): Frank "Sam" Mata, '00; Holly Dempsey, academic director and adjunct instructor of social psychology; Adam Karabelski, senior majoring in management/computer information systems; Sarah Karabelski, campus center director; and Nicolle O'Connor, administrative specialist.
Bi-weekly timesheets due early for upcoming holiday
Due to the 4th of July holiday, the Payroll Department needs to have all timesheets for those employees paid on the bi-weekly payroll no later than 10 a.m. on Friday, June 26. Since Friday, July 3, is not a federal holiday, the pay date for this period remains July 3, even though the University is closed that day. Please direct any questions you have to the payroll department, at (816) 584-6413/6403/6387.
Kudos sent to Charleston AFB Campus Center staff
Staff at Park University's Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., Campus Center received a note of thanks from a recent graduate. The student wrote, "My experience at Park University was enriched by each of you. I felt welcomed the first time I walked into your office. You all helped me fulfill a long-time goal, which has now been accomplished. I will always be grateful for your assistance, commitment and patience shown to me. God blesses those who give of themselves. May you all be rewarded for being so kind. Thank you!"
Park partners with local golf course for "affinity" membership
Park University has partnered with The Deuce at The National Golf Club of Kansas City with an offer of golfing privileges for all Park faculty, staff and students. Park golfers can play the course for just $50 a round through The Deuce's "Affinity Membership," which includes greens fee, cart, range balls and taxes. There is no initiation/membership fee, but you must show your Park University ID card each time to receive the special price. Benefits include golf privileges anytime Wednesday through Friday and after noon Saturday-Sunday, one day advance tee times, member pricing on golf merchandise, use of The Deuce's facilities for dining and special event, and discounted full golf memberships. In addition, golfers can purchase a prepaid tee package of 12 rounds for just $500, a $100 savings.
For more information or to register for the Affinity Membership, call The Deuce at (816) 505-0650. The Deuce is located just north of the Parkville Campus, approximately one mile west of the 9 Highway/45 Highway (Tom Watson Parkway) intersection. Visit The Deuce on the web at www.thenationalgolfclub.com/golf_thedeuce.html.
Green tip of the day
Is your TV turned off? Think again. A percentage of your home's electricity goes to devices that are not in use, but are plugged in. To kill the current and lower your bill, plug them into a power strip and flip the switch. For more information and additional tips to lead a "green life," visit http://sierraclub.typepad.com/greenlife.
Upcoming Events
• Margaret Shelby Art Exhibit -- through July 10, Campanella Gallery
• Alumni Weekend -- June 25-28, Parkville Campus
• Junemester ends -- June 26
• Independence Day holiday -- July 3 (Parkville Campus closed)
• Parkville Community Band 4th of July Concert -- July 4, 7:30 p.m., Graham Tyler Memorial Chapel
• Julymester begins -- July 6
• Victoria Crowder Payne Art Exhibit -- July 14-August 21, Campanella Gallery (Reception: July 17, 6:30 p.m., Campanella Gallery)
• Summer session ends -- July 24
• Julymester ends -- July 31
• New Faculty Orientation -- August 10-11, Louise Morden Board Room
• Fall Faculty Conference -- August 12-13, College for Distance Learning Conference Center
• Residence Halls open (Parkville Campus) -- August 13, 10 a.m.
Note: To view a comprehensive schedule for all events, including athletics, visit www.park.edu/calendar/parkville.html.
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