Newsletter from The Crow's Nest - Date: March 4, 2025
Park University Announces Major Appointments and Achievements
Park University is celebrating a series of significant developments, including new appointments, academic achievements, and partnerships.
New Leadership
Scott Fergerson has been promoted to the role of chief financial officer, effective Feb. 2, 2025. Meanwhile, Park University President Shane Smeed has been appointed as the 19th president of Utah Tech University in St. George, Utah. The appointment was announced by the Utah Board of Higher Education.
Although details on Shane Smeed’s transition plan, such as timelines, transition activities, or succession arrangements at Park University or Utah Tech University, are not available in the provided data, it marks a new chapter for both institutions.
Academic Achievements
In the realm of academia, several faculty members have made notable contributions. Amber Dailey-Hebert, Ph.D., director of the Faculty Center for Innovation and professor of organizational leadership and adult learning, co-authored a paper titled "Understanding the Complexity of Centers for Teaching and Learning: Introducing a Four-Dimensional Model" that was published in the international journal of higher education research, Higher Education.
Jack MacLennan, Ph.D., senior director of strategic initiatives and communications, and special assistant to the president for governance, authored a chapter on "Teaching Online 'Finding a Way Through Assessment Mirages: Teaching IR as a Toolset Online'" that was published in The Palgrave Handbook on the Pedagogy of International Relations Theory.
Joshua Mugg, Ph.D., associate professor of philosophy and director of the Honors Academy, was interviewed for a story that aired on KCTV in Kansas City on Feb. 20. The story focused on the use of artificial intelligence in an "Unfinished Legacies" campaign in Kansas City, Mo., to "bring back to life" individuals who died because of a fentanyl overdose.
Partnerships and Recognition
The Nursing Department has formed a partnership with Veterans Community Project for senior nursing students to gain experience in providing health checks and education to veterans facing homelessness. Nikki Pauls DeSimone, assistant professor of social work, provided comments for an opinion article that appeared in the Kansas City Star on Feb. 12 about snow day policies for local school districts.
Gini Fite, adjunct instructor of sport and exercise science, was recently honored by the Missouri Athletic Trainers' Association as its Athletic Trainer of the Year. An art exhibit featuring RE: Generation Community Artists will be held at Park University.
Student Successes
Several students have also made headlines. A story about Jordan DeNovellis, a senior at Sidney (Neb.) High School, signing a letter-of-intent to play women’s basketball at Park University Gilbert (Ariz.) Campus appeared in the Sidney Sun-Telegraph on Feb. 27. A total of 15 Park University student-athletes, nine from the Parkville (Mo.) Campus and six from the Gilbert (Ariz.) Campus, earned NAIA Scholar-Athletes honors for winter sports.
Kody Petersen, '24, was appointed as the veterans initiatives manager with the Branson (Mo.) Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau. The appointment was featured in the Branson Globe on Feb. 27.
Performances and Events
Students from Park University's International Center for Music performed live on Kansas Public Radio’s "Classical Music in the Morning" on Feb. 26 as part of a promotion for the Stanislav & Friends concert on March 1. A violin and piano duo, David Radzynski and Lolita Lisovskaya-Sayevich, will perform in concert at Park University on March 14.
Community Engagement
David Chesher, senior director of technology, provided a list of tips and simple steps that people can reference for a story that aired on WDAF-TV in Kansas City on Feb. 25 related to a recent influx of scam phone calls, especially those targeting family members of inmates in Leavenworth County, Kan.
Matt Harris, Ph.D., associate professor of political science, was interviewed for stories that aired on KMBZ-FM in Kansas City on Feb. 11 and Feb. 19 related to Missouri lawmakers' efforts to water down the minimum wage law passed by voters in November 2024.
Courtney Wachal, J.D., municipal court presiding judge, Kansas City, Mo., Domestic Violence Court and Wellness Court, will be the featured speaker at Park University’s 3rd annual Women Transforming Criminal Justice event on March 5. Stephen Cox, '88, and 2009 Distinguished Alumnus Award honoree, appeared on "The Frank and Jill Show" that aired on KTRS-AM in St. Louis on Feb. 17.
Conclusion
These developments underscore Park University's commitment to academic excellence, student success, and community engagement. As the institution continues to grow and evolve, it remains dedicated to its mission of providing a quality education to a diverse student body.
- Despite the recent changes in leadership with Shane Smeed's appointment as the 19th president of Utah Tech University, Park University continues its focus on education and self-development, as demonstrated by faculty members' academic achievements and the formation of partnerships.
- Amidst these educational advancements, Park University also values sports and community involvement, as exemplified by student-athletes earning NAIA Scholar-Athletes honors and the Missouri Athletic Trainers' Association honoring Gini Fite as its Athletic Trainer of the Year. Additionally, the weather was featured with David Chesher providing tips on WDAF-TV regarding a recent influx of scam phone calls.
