Breaking News: The Crow's Nest for April 3rd, 2024
Park University Achieves Military Friendly Status and More
Park University has made significant strides in its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as supporting military personnel and their families.
The university has been designated as a Military Friendly School for 2024-25 by Viqtory. Park University earned gold status in the "Private, Not Offering Doctorate" category, and also received a Military Spouse Friendly designation.
In other news, Jayme Uden, Ed.D., has been appointed as the chief human resources officer at Park University, effective March 18. Uden will oversee and lead human resources strategies covering talent management, employee relations, training and development, performance improvement, compensation and benefits, organizational development, HR information systems, and appropriate regulatory compliance. Uden will also serve as the University's Title IX officer.
Uden will collaborate with Park's Vision 2025 People and Culture Strategic Impact Group, addressing objectives of fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, communicating with clarity and transparency, and cultivating employee satisfaction and engagement.
On the athletic front, Kayla Schroeder, a junior guard at Park University's Gilbert (Ariz.) Campus, was named the California Pacific Conference Women's Basketball Player of the Year on March 2. Schroeder averaged an impressive 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.4 steals per game on the season for the Buccaneers. She also earned recognition by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics on April 1 as an NAIA Women's Basketball All-America third team selection.
Schroeder's impressive performance on the court is not the only accolade Park University has received. The university was listed by CollegeCliffs.com as one of the "Best Schools for Military History Degrees."
Park University's faculty and staff continue to make a positive impact both on and off campus. For example, Tim Westcott, Ph.D., professor of history, director of the George S. Robb Centre for the Study of the Great War and associate archivist, along with Damon Grosvenor, senior history major, and Martin Roberson, junior secondary education/social science major, participated in a 40-minute live interview on the "Dana and Parks" program on KMBZ-FM to talk about the University's Valor Medals Review Project.
In addition, Rebecca Hermosillo, '19, was the focus of a feature story that was published in the Sonoma County (Calif.) Gazette on March 25.
Upcoming events at Park University include the Faculty Biennial Art Exhibit, International Center for Music Concerts, Dr. Doris A. Howell Leadership Awards, Health Fair, Honors Convocation, Higher Learning Commission Peer Review Team Visit, J. Malcolm Good Mathematics Lecture, Student Research and Creative Arts Symposium, Gilbert (Ariz.) Campus Commencement, Ellen Finley Earhart Department of Nursing Pinning Ceremony, International Sash Ceremony, Kansas City Area Commencement Ceremony, Spring Semester / Spring II Term Ends, Maymester Begins, Founders Day: Park University's 149th Anniversary, Malmstrom Air Force Base (Mont.) Campus Commencement, Board of Trustees Meeting, Maymester Ends, Memorial Day Holiday (all University offices closed nationwide), Faculty/Staff Town Hall Meeting.
The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) will visit Park University's flagship Parkville (Mo.) Campus from April 8-9 for a comprehensive evaluation of accreditation. The HLC uses a framework for accreditation based on Guiding Values, Assumed Practices, and Criteria for Accreditation that institutions must meet to achieve or maintain accreditation. These components include Integrity and Ethical Conduct, Accessibility and Inclusiveness, Commitment to Learning and Improvement, Institutional Autonomy and Responsibility, Adherence to a clearly defined mission and governance structure, Maintenance of consistent and fair admissions and academic policies, Provision of adequate resources and support services for students and faculty, Ongoing assessment of student learning and institutional effectiveness, Implementation of strategic planning, fiscal responsibility, and institutional integrity.
Park University has been continuously accredited through the HLC since 1913, and accreditation through the HLC allows the University to disperse federal Title IV funding to students.
In conclusion, Park University continues to excel in various areas, from athletics to academics, and is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. The university's upcoming events and accreditation visit by the HLC are testament to this commitment.
Jayme Uden, in his new role as the chief human resources officer at Park University, will oversee various initiatives aimed at fostering learning and self-development among employees, such as talent management, training and development, and organizational development.
As part of their commitment to education and self-development, Park University faculty and staff have been actively engaged in projects like the Valor Medals Review Project, where they collaborate to deepen their understanding of history and share this knowledge with the wider community.
