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President's MessageBy - August 10, 2009 - 1:00 pmEmail this article | Printer friendly page
I extend special greetings to all Park students, faculty and staff members. The start of fall classes always brings a special time of enthusiasm as students plan their schedules, reconnect with friends and make new friends. Many students from around the country and the world enroll at Park, including students serving in the military who travel throughout the world. That diversity of people and life experiences enriches the learning environment for all and makes Park a special place for becoming a global citizen and leader. Consistent with the University's mission of providing access to quality education, that special Park experience is available to students across the system's 43 campus centers, including Online. The fall term begins on August 17 at most Park Campus Centers, and we are all looking forward to connecting with our students. Faculty and staff members are engaged in numerous activities to prepare for the coming academic year. On August 12 and 13, all full time faculty members gather on the Parkville campus for the Fall Faculty Conference and staff continue to reach out to enrolling students to ensure they have the information needed to be ready for the first day of classes. My appointment this summer as Interim President of Park University is another factor at play in the mix of new expectations for the coming academic year. I welcome that renewed energy for what can be accomplished at Park. As we begin the fall term, Park already has a 2010-2012 Action Plan Task Force engaged with the charge of bringing the University to consensus around a roadmap that focuses our time and resources on strategic priorities. That effort will advance academic quality as well as strategic growth. The new year at Park University will be what we make of it together. Considering the outstanding people who study and work at Park, this year will most certainly be an exceptional year for everyone! May the learning and life changing experiences continue…and may we all model the excellence and service commitment we wish to see in the world! Michael H. Droge, Ph.D. Interim President |
