Unveiled: Events of July 5, 2019, Detailed in Crow's Nest Publication

Unveiled: Events of July 5, 2019, Detailed in Crow's Nest Publication

Park University News Roundup: July 2019

Park University has been making headlines lately, with several faculty members and departments receiving recognition and accolades. Here's a roundup of some of the recent news:

Academic Recognition

• Yongzhi (Joe) Wang, Ph.D., assistant professor of computer science, presented a workshop on "Securing Big Data Computation on Cloud" at the National Science Foundation's Faculty Development Workshop on Data Science and Cybersecurity in Boise, Idaho.
• The University ranked No. 17 on CollegeFactual.com's "2019 Best Management Information Schools for Non-Traditional Students" list and No. 26 on CollegeFactual.com's "2019 Best Criminal Justice and Corrections Schools for Non-Traditional Students" list.
• The online Bachelor of Science in business administration/human resources degree program ranked No. 15 on AffordableSchools.net's "20 Best Affordable Human Resources Management Degree Online Programs 2019" list.
• The online Bachelor of Public Administration in fire service management degree program ranked No. 19 on BachelorsDegreeCenter.org's "25 Best Online Fire Science Degree Bachelor's Programs for 2019" list.
• The online Master of Business Administration degree program's global executive concentration ranked No. 4 on CollegeConsensus.com's "25 Best Online Executive MBA Programs 2019" list.
• The online Bachelor of Science in management/logistics degree program was ranked No. 9 on TheBestSchools.org's "10 Best Online Bachelor's in Supply Chain and Logistics Programs" list.

Awards and Honours

• Jamal James, lead athletic trainer, Department of Athletics, was honored as the 2018-19 Athletic Trainer of the Year by the American Midwest Conference.
• The Park University softball team received the inaugural Women's Champions of Character Team award from the American Midwest Conference for demonstrating core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership.
• Kenny Broberg, a graduate student in the International Center for Music, won third prize at the International Tchaikovsky Competition in Russia and received a bronze medal and a $10,000 cash prize.
• Arcy Muñoz, '10, was recognized by the Houston Business Journal as a 2019 "40 Under 40" honoree on June 13.
• The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, Mo., led by its president Bob Kendrick '85, was selected as the 2019 American Business Awards Organization of the Year in the Small Nonprofit/Government category.
• Charlotte Barksdale, co-chair of Park University's Civic Advisory Council, will be recognized by the Kansas City Business Journal as a member of its 2019 class of "Women Who Mean Business" during a luncheon on Aug. 23.

Community Engagement

• The Office of University Engagement's new "Park Stories" initiative showcases inspiring features highlighting Park University students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
• Sarah Moe Meyers, a new member of Park University's Board of Trustees, was quoted in a Kansas City Business Journal article on July 1, providing comments related to U.S.-China trade talks.
• Steve Youngblood, associate professor of communication arts and director of the Center for Global Peace Journalism, authored a response "letter to the editor" related to immigrant detention centers that was published in the Los Angeles Times on June 15.
• Brad Biles, director of communications and public relations, was honored by the American Legion Boys State of Kansas as its 2019 Advisor of the Year.
• Tim Westcott, Ph.D., interim dean of the College of Education and Health Professions, associate professor of history and associate university archivist, and Ashlyn Weber, senior history/public history major, participated in a live interview segment on "41 Action News Midday" on KSHB-TV in Kansas City on June 19.

Military Recognition

• Park University is offering to waive the tuition of one class (up to three credit hours) for active duty U.S. service members, guards, or reservists enrolled in the university for the Fall semester or Fall I term, starting August 19. This offer is applicable after exhausting tuition assistance, GI Bill benefits, and federal student aid benefits.
• James Nelson, associate vice president of information technology services, provided comments for a story that was published in the June issue of University Business magazine.
• Kirby Brown, dean of the College of Management, provided a military affairs update to Congressional staffers during a Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Spotlight visit.

Cultural and Artistic Events

• The Park University International Center for Music's upcoming 2019-20 concert season was highlighted in an article that was published in the June 23 edition of The Kansas City Star.
• A podcast focusing on the artwork of JT Daniels, '11, appeared on the website for Northeast (Kansas City, Mo.) News.
• A story about Col. Lewis Millett, '63, who received the Medal of Honor in July 1951, appeared on the blog "The Melting Thought" on June 18.

Sports and Academics

• Stories related to International Center for Music graduate student Kenny Broberg placing third at the prestigious International Tchaikovsky Competition in Russia, held June 17-27, and Park University hosting a watch party on June 27 to view Broberg's finals performance aired on KMBC-TV and KCUR-FM in Kansas City on June 27 and June 28.
• Ashley Jones, esports head coach and Vincent Payne, esports student-athlete, were interviewed by KMBC-TV in Kansas City for a story that aired on June 28 related to the Esports Summer Combine the University's Parkville Campus hosted on June 28-29.
• Matt Harris, Ph.D., assistant professor of political science, was interviewed for a story on the meaning of patriotism that aired on WDAF-TV in Kansas City on July 4.
• Scott Hageman, associate professor of geology and associate dean in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, was interviewed for a story that aired on KSHB-TV in Kansas City on June 24 related to the number of sinkholes that have popped up in the region due to the numerous rain events in recent months.

Outreach and Collaboration

• Park University has signed a memorandum of understanding with Moi University in Eldoret, Kenya, for academic exchanges, joint research programs, and possible faculty and student exchanges.
• A photo of Park University First Lady Laurie Gunderson accepting a $1,000 check from the Parkville Rotary Club for the University's Pirate Pantry appeared in the June 19 issue of the Platte County (Mo.) Citizen.
• Kay Barnes, senior director for university engagement, provided comments for a story that was posted on KCUR-FM on June 24.
• Stories related to the Park University softball team's recent achievements and the American Midwest Conference's Women's Champions of Character Team award were aired on KMBC-TV and KCUR-FM in Kansas City on various dates in June.

For more information about Park University's military tuition assistance waiver program for the Fall 2019 semester starting August 19, 2019, please contact Sarah Weygand, director of military and veteran student services, at sweygand@our website or the Park Global Warrior Center at warriorcenter@our website.

For questions about other Park University offerings, please visit our website or contact the appropriate department or office.

1. Education and self-development: Yongzhi (Joe) Wang, a Park University faculty member, presented a workshop on securing big data computation on cloud at a National Science Foundation event, showcasing his expertise in data science and cybersecurity.
2. General news and sports: Park University graduate student Kenny Broberg won third prize at the International Tchaikovsky Competition and was honored with a bronze medal and a cash prize of $10,000. Stories about Broberg's achievement were aired on KMBC-TV and KCUR-FM in Kansas City.

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