PARK UNIVERSITY E-NEWS
News from June 2012
UNIVERSITY NEWS
Park ranked among nation's best for degrees conferred to minorities
Park University once again ranked among the top 100 colleges and universities in the United States for conferring bachelor's degrees to students of color, according to Diverse Issues in Higher Education magazine. In its June 7 issue, DIHE ranked Park No. 98 in the nation in the "Total Minority -- All Disciplines Combined" category. Park is the only institution based in Missouri or Kansas to earn a top 100 ranking, and the University is ranked second among schools within the West North Central states of the Midwest region (among Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota). Park also ranked No. 63 in the nation for bachelor's degrees conferred to African-Americans and No. 76 nationally for bachelor's degrees conferred to Hispanics. In both categories, Park was the highest-ranked college/university in Missouri or Kansas to be ranked, and the University was the second-ranked school within the West North Central states of the Midwest region.
http://news.park.edu/pub/news_002150.shtml
Department of Education ranks Park high for net price
Park University has the second-lowest net price of any private, not-for-profit college/university in the United States and its territories that is not a Bible college or has a religious affiliation, according to rankings released by the U.S. Department of Education. Park's net price (after scholarship and grant aid) is $8,328, while the national average for private not-for-profit four-year or above schools is $18,770. Park is the only private, nonprofit four-year school based in Missouri or Kansas ranked in the top 125 at No. 100. In addition, Park is the highest ranked non-Bible/religious college/university in the West North Central states of the Midwest region (among Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota).
http://news.park.edu/pub/news_002152.shtml
Rankings: http://collegecost.ed.gov/catc/Default.aspx
STUDENT NEWS
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| Yu, Soucek |
Scott AFB students win prestigious Air Force award
Joy Soucek, senior social psychology/clinical and abnormal major, and Cierra Yu, junior social psychology major, both at Park University's Scott Air Force Base (Ill.) Campus Center, were awarded the Air Force Sergeants Association Pitsenbarger Award. The award is given annually to an Air Force enlisted service member who demonstrates commitment to leadership, citizenship, teamwork, community service, personal development and dedication to duty.
http://news.park.edu/pub/news_002147.shtml
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| Dryden |
Dryden earns two prominent fellowships
Rachel Dryden, senior geography/physical science major and a member of Park University's Degree with Honors Program, was awarded two prestigious internationally competitive fellowships for the 2012-13 academic year. The first honor, the Killam Fellowship, is an award by the Canadian Fulbright Commission to study abroad in Canada. The second honor, the Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst/German Academic Exchange Service Undergraduate Scholarship, is an award to research abroad in Germany for a semester.
http://news.park.edu/pub/news_002144.shtml
Pfeiffer article published in honors journal
An article written by Daniel Pfeiffer, sophomore English literature major and a member of the Degree with Honors Program, was published in the spring edition of the honors journal, Aisthesis. The article, "Book Banning, a Fireless Revolution," was written for the Honors EN 106 (First Year Writing Seminar II: Academic Research and Writing) class. The work examined book banning in Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury, and argues that while some believe book bans function as a means of protection, they restrain intellectual freedom and foster a society in which ideas perish.
www.park.edu/honors/PfeifferAisthesisSubmission.htm
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| Gonzalez |
Gonzalez interns at Summer Olympics tryouts
Jessica Gonzalez, a senior athletic training major, joined the U.S. Olympics organization this summer. As part of an internship, she is on the massage therapy team in Eugene, Ore., through July 6. Gonzalez is providing massage therapy services to athletes competing in the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials. The U.S. Track and Field Trials is the largest national championship meet in the world, which determine the athletes who will represent the U.S. team at the London Olympic Games later this summer.
http://news.park.edu/pub/news_002151.shtml
FACULTY/STAFF/TRUSTEE ACCOLADES
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| Hyatt |
Hyatt recognized by People to People International
People to People International selected Dawn Hyatt, program assistant with Park University's Office of International Education and Study Abroad, as its 2012 Outstanding Campus Adviser. Hyatt will be recognized in August at the PTPI Board of Trustees meeting in Tallinn, Estonia. The Outstanding Campus Adviser Award is presented to an adult adviser of a PTPI student chapter or a campus adviser of a PTPI university chapter who has excelled in the position of leadership and contributed substantially to the overall development of the chapter.
http://news.park.edu/pub/news_002146.shtml
Watkins earns award from Kansas City business magazine
Dorla Watkins, vice president for finance and administration, was honored on June 22 by the Kansas City Business Journal during its 2012 CFO of the Year awards luncheon. Watkins was one of 13 honorees at the luncheon who were recognized for their contributions to their companies' growth and financial success, their roles in corporate management and strategic planning and their community involvement. Watkins was recognized in the nonprofit category. She is shown in the adjacent photo with Park University Board of Trustees members Rick Thode (left) and Peter deSilva.
www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/print-edition/2012/06/22/cfo-of-the-year-dorla-watkins-park.html
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| Kao |
Article by Kao published in accounting journal
An article co-authored by Robert Kao, Ph.D., assistant professor of finance, was published in Journal of Accounting and Finance. The article, "The Momentous Ripple Effects in the New Investment Environment," analyzes investors' responses to the new financial information after the high-tech bubble era. The findings prove that investors possess distinctive and momentous ripple effects spreading across company financial ratios. The results can provide investors decision-making on managing their investment portfolios in the new financial environment.
http://news.park.edu/pub/news_002147.shtml
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| Sheffer |
Sheffer contributes articles for War of 1812 publication
Debra Sheffer, Ph.D., associate professor of history, contributed four articles to The Encyclopedia of the War of 1812: A Political, Social and Military History. The three-volume work spotlights the key battles, standout individuals and essential weapons, social, political and economic developments, and examines the wider, concurrent European developments that directly affected the conflict in North America.
http://news.park.edu/pub/news_002147.shtml
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| Wilson |
Wilson elected to North Kansas City School Board
Jay Wilson, development director, Office of University Advancement, was elected in April to serve a three-year term on the North Kansas City, Mo., School Board. Wilson, whose term expires in April 2015, received the most votes of the five individuals vying for three spots on the board. Wilson is serving on a variety of committees for the NKCSB, including the Counseling Advisory, Hazardous Routes, Library Reconsideration, Project EXCELL Advisory and PTA Council committees, and serves as a delegate to the Missouri School Boards' Association.
http://news.park.edu/pub/news_002147.shtml
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| Mason |
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| Sanders |
Sanders, Mason appointed to faculty positions
Park Distance Learning announced that Carol Sanders, Ph.D., associate professor and program coordinator of biology, was appointed to join Park University's Faculty Online Observation Team. Sanders replaces Teresa Mason, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology, who was appointed chair of the Department of Psychology and Sociology.
http://news.park.edu/pub/news_002151.shtml
Park volunteers provide assistance to homeless veterans
Park University staff volunteered on June 8 at the Heart of America Stand Down in Kansas City, Mo., providing assistance to homeless veterans. The event brought together hundreds of community service groups and organizations from the greater Kansas City area to provide assistance and help rid the barriers that prevent homeless veterans from re-entering society as engaged, productive citizens and live more fulfilling lives. Assistance was offered in the areas of medical, substance abuse, legal issues, taxes, housing and utility assistance, family counseling, spiritual, mentorships, educational and employment opportunities, and haircuts. About 760 veterans and dependents participated in the event.
http://news.park.edu/pub/news_002153.shtml
ALUMNI NEWS
Alumni Weekend 2012 set for Sept. 27-30
A new tradition is beginning this fall as Park University's annual Alumni Weekend is joining forces with Harvest Fest. The dates are set for September 27-30. Traditional reunion events will continue, but at the same time expand to include opportunities for students and alumni to interact, meet the faculty or attend a sporting event or class. For those alumni who have never been to the Parkville Campus, this is a great time to visit Parkville in all its full fall glory. The Alumni Council is seeking volunteers to help plan Alumni Weekend. If you are interested in organizing a reunion or helping design new events for your special group, e-mail alumnioffice@park.edu. Events currently scheduled include a golf tournament, Class of 1962 50th reunion dinner, alumni/student mentoring luncheon, campus tours, and the Alumni Association Awards Banquet. Look for more information in the recently published Park University Magazine or visit www.park.edu/alumni/awe12/.
Alumni recruiters wanted
If you are a high school teacher, coach or counselor, the Office of Alumni Relations will send you a Park pennant to put in your classroom/office and a t-shirt to wear on casual days. Materials explaining the various degree programs will also be included. In return, you are asked to distribute information to appropriate prospective students, including colleagues that may have interest in the University's online master's degree programs. Send your name, address, t-shirt size and school to alumnioffice@park.edu.
Alumni encouraged to participate in Alumni Association programs
Keep your membership in the Park University Alumni Association active by keeping your contact information up-to-date with the Office of Alumni Relations. For more information, visit the Office of Alumni Relations website or e-mail alumnioffice@park.edu.
Graduates of Park University are reminded that they automatically become members of the Alumni Association. Members receive the Park University Magazine, notification of events, including the annual Alumni Weekend/Harvest Fest, invitations to regional receptions/reunions, access to the Online Alumni Directory and representation on the Alumni Council. Alumni are encouraged to participate in the many programs and committees available to Alumni Association members.
ATHLETICS
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| Clifton |
Clifton earns honorable mention All-America selection
Kyle Clifton, junior business administration/management major and a third baseman on Park University's baseball team, was selected as an honorable mention selection on the NAIA All-America baseball team. Clifton, who was tabbed as the American Midwest Conference Player of the Year, hit .366 on the season, and led the AMC in home runs (13) and RBIs (54).
www.parkathletics.com/mbaseball/park_006768.shtml
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| McDonald |
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| Vieria |
Vieira, McDonald named to academic All-America teams
Raphael Vieira, who graduated in May with a degree in communication arts/broadcasting, and an outside hitter on Park University's men's volleyball team, became the third student-athlete in Park history to be named to the CoSIDA/Capital One Academic All-America team. Vieira, who earned a spot on the college division second team, was one of just three men's volleyball players to be named to either the first, second or third team.
Lindsey McDonald, senior graphic design major was selected to the CoSIDA/Capital One Academic All-America College Division Women's Cross Country/Track and Field second team. In addition, McDonald, along with Anthony Stasiak, junior chemistry major; and Art Vollbrecht, junior biology major, were named to the CoSIDA/Capital One Academic All-District Track/Cross Country team.
Vieira honors: www.parkathletics.com/mvolleyball/park_006769.shtml
McDonald honors: www.parkathletics.com/mtrack/park_006775.shtml
Cross country All-District honors: www.parkathletics.com/crosscountry/park_006770.shtml
IN THE NEWS
• Taylor Whipple, a Park University junior psychology major and Degree with Honors student who was named a Campus Connect 2012 Newman Civic Fellow earlier this spring, was featured in a story that appeared on WDAF-TV in Kansas City on May 27. Whipple was interviewed and shown working with a group of disabled children. Virginia Brackett, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of Park's Department of English and Modern Languages and director of the Degree with Honors Program, was also interviewed for the story.
http://fox4kc.com/2012/06/13/student-brightens-the-lives-of-the-metros-blind/
• Taylor Hall, senior criminal justice/law enforcement major, and Brooke Murphy, senior elementary education major, who were married earlier this month, were featured and pictured in a front-page June 25 Kansas City Star article about "millennials" outlook on the economy.
www.kansascity.com/2012/06/12/3674155/generation-optimism-todays-youths.html
• Jamie Tanno, a junior third baseman on Park University's softball team, who recently became the first player in the Pirates' 18-year history to be named to the NAIA All-America squad, was featured in her hometown newspaper, the Smithville (Mo.) Herald, on June 20.
www.smithvilleherald.com/sports/high_school_sports/article_ba7914b3-1002-5312-af8f-2da4f832e29e.html
• Behzod Abduraimov, Park University senior applied music/piano major, was featured in a story that appeared in the June 3 issue of The Kansas City Star. The story highlighted Abduraimov's recently released CD for Decca Classics. Stanislav Ioudenitch, professor of music, was interviewed for the article.
www.kansascity.com/2012/06/01/3635883/classical-beat-uzbek-pianist-unveils.html
• Diana McElroy, Ph.D., dean of student life, was interviewed for a Kansas City Star cover story on changes to health care laws, which are affecting college health care plans. McElroy's comments appeared in the June 14 issue of the Star.
http://midwestdemocracy.com/articles/health-care-law-means-changes-college-health-plans/
• Park University's International Center for Music was mentioned in an article that appeared in the June 24 issue of The Kansas City Star. The article was about the Kansas City region's love for classical music.
www.kansascity.com/2012/06/23/3669937/patrick-neas-kauffmans-season.html
• Park University's commencement ceremony at its Malmstrom Air Force Base (Mont.) Campus Center was highlighted in a story that appeared on KFBB in Great Falls, Mont. Ashleigh Alvarado, who earned an associate's degree in psychology, was interviewed in the story.
www.kfbb.com/news/local/Embry-Riddle-Park-University-Students-Graduate-159265285.html
• Rodrigo Neri, '09, was profiled in a "20 in their Twenties" article that appeared in the June issue of Ingram's magazine, a Kansas City business publication. Neri was highlighted for a company he co-founded in April 2011 called Instin, which developed an application called "my Homework" which tracks school classes, homework assignments and tests to keep students organized.
www.ingramsonline.com/June_2012/Twenties/Twenties4.php
• Cliff Ferby, academic director at Park University's Fort Bliss (Texas) Campus Center, and Keith Hankins, adjunct instructor of sociology at the Fort Bliss Campus, were both highlighted in separate photos that appeared in the May 31 issue of the Fort Bliss Monitor. Ferby was photographed presenting on behalf of the University at a monthly town hall meeting for soldiers, and Hankins was pictured outside of Park's Fort Bliss office. Both photos were taken by Robert Holguin, administrative specialist.
www.fbmonitor.com/2012/05may/053112/pdf/053112part2a.pdf
UPCOMING EVENTS
View a comprehensive schedule for all events, including athletics, at www.park.edu/calendar/parkville.html.
