Droge appointed acting president of Park University
Dr. Michael Droge
Park University's Board of Trustees has named Provost and Senior Vice President Michael Droge, Ph.D., as the University's acting president. In an announcement sent to Park faculty, staff and students, Eugene A. Ruiz, chair of the Board of Trustees, shared a portion of the resolution of support adopted by the Board:
Whereas, Dr. Michael Droge has demonstrated outstanding leadership for the past five years as the Provost of Park University, the Park University Board of Trustees expresses its strong support for Dr. Droge as the Acting President of Park University. It is the wish of the Board of Trustees that the faculty, staff, students and the entire Park University community will join us in our support of Dr. Droge as he discharges his new responsibilities.
Ruiz added in his statement that "Park University remains a strong, venerable institution of higher learning. As the University moves forward in this, the most challenging of times, the Board believes Park will continue to thrive and prosper because of the extraordinary efforts of its faculty and staff. The Board is confident that Dr. Droge, supported by Park's dedicated faculty, executive staff and administrative council, is ready to take on this new leadership role. On behalf of the Board, I ask that the entire Park community support Dr. Droge in this effort."
Retiring Park President Byers-Pevitts Named "President Emerita"
Dr. Beverley Byers-Pevitts
The Park University Board of Trustees, during its May 8 board meeting, unanimously voted to designate Beverley Byers-Pevitts, Ph.D., as "President Emerita" of Park University. This action follows the retirement announcement that Byers-Pevitts would conclude her service after serving as the University's top administrator since 2001.
Byers-Pevitts participated in her final official academic event at the Kansas City Area May 9 Commencement where she awarded more than 500 diplomas to graduating students. Commencement speaker and Park University Board of Trustee member Danny O'Neill, owner and president of The Roasterie Inc., shared with the graduates that he accepted the invitation to become a Park Board member after he met Byers-Pevitts because, "She gets it," he said. "She understands what it takes to be entrepreneurial."
View the resolution for Byers-Pevitts at http://news.park.edu/pub/news_001281.shtml.
DiPadova-Stocks appointed interim Graduate School executive director
Dr. Laurie DiPadova-Stocks
Laurie DiPadova-Stocks, Ph.D., dean of the Hauptmann School for Public Affairs and professor of public administration, has been appointed to serve as the interim executive director of Park University's Graduate School, effective July 1, 2009. She will retain her responsibilities and aforementioned titles. DiPadova-Stocks will be taking over for Larry Ewing, Ed.D., associate professor of education, who has announced his plans to retire.
Kansas City Area Commencement photo slideshow available
A variety of photos from the Kansas City Area Commencement ceremony on May 9, taken by staff in Park University's Office of Communication, can be viewed in a slideshow at www.flickr.com/photos/parkuniversity/sets/72157617996800020/show/.
Park softball team opens pool play at national tourney
The 2009 Park University softball team, which made history by becoming the first Pirate softball squad to qualify for the NAIA National Tournament, begins its quest for a national title today (Thursday, May 14), in Decatur, Ala. The Pirates, 26-11, start the pool play portion of the tournament against No. 22 ranked Friends University (Kan.), 38-7, at 2 p.m. Park will then take on top-ranked California Baptist (54-5) at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, May 15. The Pirates will round out pool play against Hastings (Neb.) College, 34-15, on Saturday at 6 p.m. Park must win its pool to advance to the eight-team double-elimination tournament, which begins on Monday, May 18. For more information, visit www.parkathletics.com/news/cat_index_69.shtml.
Pirate Club to hold annual meeting on May 21
The Pirate Club, which promotes the rich tradition of Park University and its athletics by supporting, encouraging and developing student-athletes, will hold its annual meeting on Thursday, May 21. The meeting will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the NAIA Headquarters, 1200 Grand Blvd., in Kansas City, Mo. The meeting will include the election of the 2009-10 officers, voting on recent amendments to the Pirate Club bylaws and committee reports. The primary purpose of the Pirate Club is to cultivate financial support and interest in Park University athletics. The organization also strives to continue the University's tradition by assisting student-athletes in achieving academic and athletic success.
All current and past Pirate Club members are encouraged to attend. Please RSVP by 4:30 p.m. Monday, May 18, to Wini Edwards, Office of University Advancement administrative assistant, at wini.edwards@park.edu or (816) 584-6200.
Park Current reminder: Send us your Mother's Day and Father's Day photos
The next issue of The Park Current will be coming soon and wants to honor all Park University mothers and fathers. We're looking for photos of Park faculty and staff with their children, and/or photos of you with your mom and dad. Please be sure to identify everyone in the photo, as well as include any additional information about the photo and the individuals in the photo. E-mail your submission and photos to advancement@park.edu or fill out the news request form at www.park.edu/webguide/news.html (you will still need to send your photos to the aforementioned e-mail address).
The deadline for submitting items for the next issue of The Park Current is 4 p.m. (Central time) on Friday, May 29. Remember, The Park Current is also your opportunity to share personal news, announcements and accomplishments with your Park University colleagues, as well as a place to sell, buy or trade items. Please send this information to advancement@park.edu as well. Remember, because of the personal nature of The Park Current, this newsletter is not published to the University's web site and is distributed only via e-mail.
Park In The News
• Park University's softball team appeared in a feature story on MetroSports, a division of Time Warner Cable in the Kansas City area. View the feature on MetroSports web site.
• Jason Grill, adjunct professor of social science, and the state representative of the 32nd District of Missouri, which includes Park University's Parkville Campus and the surrounding area, highlighted the American Council on Education/Wal-Mart Foundation $100,000 Success for Veterans Award Grant that the University recently received in a newsletter to his constituents.
• Prospective student Joe Malone, a senior at Blue Springs (Mo.) High School who will attend Park's Parkville Campus in the fall, is already embracing the University's core values. Malone was highlighted in a story that appeared on KSHB-TV (Ch. 41) in Kansas City earlier this month. Malone and classmate Lauren Anderson, who were named prom king and queen, gave up their crowns to two special needs students. Read the text version of the story on KSHB's web site.
Green tip of the day
With winter behind us, it's time to embrace the season of rejuvenation by reducing clutter and attacking grime. Spring cleaning doesn't have to result in a trash can full of used paper towels. Instead, try reusable scrub brushes or homemade cloth cleaning rags. Synthetic sponges are petroleum-derived and can contain triclosan. Greener options for nature sponges include those made of wood-pulp cellulose. Your best bet? Cultivate luffa (also known as "loofah") in your garden and grow your own "sponge gourds." For more information and additional tips to lead a "green life," visit http://sierraclub.typepad.com/greenlife.
Upcoming Events
• Park University Golf Scramble -- May 18, noon, Tiffany Greens Golf Club, Kansas City, Mo.
• Pirate Club Annual Meeting -- May 21, 6-8 p.m., NAIA Headquarters, 1200 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, Mo.
• Maymester ends -- May 22
• Memorial Day -- May 25 (Parkville Campus closed)
• Summer session begins -- June 1
• Junemester begins -- June 1
• Margaret Shelby Art Exhibit -- June 1-July 10, Campanella Gallery
• Alumni Weekend -- June 25-28, Parkville Campus
• Junemester ends -- June 26
Note: To view a comprehensive schedule for all events, including athletics, visit www.park.edu/calendar/parkville.html.
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