Unveiling at The Crow's Nest on October 4, 2023: Latest Developments
Park University recently hosted its annual Enrollment and Student Services Conference, an event that celebrates the university's core values of student success, integrity, collaboration, and commitment to excellence. The conference, held in September, brought together faculty, staff, and students to discuss various topics and recognise the achievements of individuals who embody these values.
One of the highlights of the conference was the Community Engagement Award, which was presented to Nancy Almodovar, the Mountain Home (Idaho) Air Force Base Campus director. Almodovar's dedication to fostering a sense of community within the university and her efforts to engage with local organisations have made a significant impact.
Nathalia Harth, a sports communications graduate assistant, served as the moderator of the event. Harth's role was instrumental in ensuring the smooth running of the conference and her commitment to collaboration was evident throughout.
Anthony Rex Gabbert, J.D., adjunct instructor of criminal justice administration and management, was honoured with the 2023 Theodore M. McMillian Judicial Excellence Award. Gabbert's expertise and dedication to teaching have made him a valuable asset to the university.
In addition to these awards, several individuals were recognised for their exceptional work. Allison Forrest, the return of Title IV specialist, received the Excellence in Innovation Award. Forrest's innovative approaches to her role have significantly improved the university's operations. Lucia Cunningham, another return of Title IV specialist, received the Above and Beyond Award for her dedication and exceptional service.
Shelby Hidan, the Malmstrom Air Force Base (Mont.) Campus director, and Robin Burger, the assistant director of student success, were also recipients of the Above and Beyond Award. Their commitment to the university and its students has not gone unnoticed.
Brett Beneke, Tyler Burch, Clair Eaton, Tara Hartenbower, and Angel Hopeau were awarded the Rising Star Award. These individuals have shown great potential and are making significant contributions to the university.
The conference also featured a discussion on how athletic directors across the country are implementing insights from the NAIA's international focus groups related to recruiting and retaining international student-athletes.
Park University's associate professor of political science, Matt Harris, was interviewed for stories that aired on KMBZ-FM in Kansas City on several occasions throughout September. Topics included proposals by Republicans in Missouri to change the state's total abortion ban, calls by U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) calling for U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ala.) to step down due to possible health concerns, and the impact of voter registration events on elections.
The conference also saw the launch of The Navigator: Excellent Student Writing Across the Disciplines, a publication that encourages undergraduate students to submit their academic work for possible publication. The Campanella Gallery at Park University will host an exhibit of digital design works by Merrick Henry from Oct. 6 to Dec. 8.
Fright Night, Park University's annual Halloween celebration, will be held on Oct. 26 at the Copley Quad residence hall. The university's Student Newspaper, The Stylus, is now available only via a digital format.
Lastly, Park University publishes its annual Security and Fire Safety Report in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Safety Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. The report provides important information about the university's safety measures and policies.
The Enrollment and Student Services Conference was a testament to the university's commitment to its core values and the achievements of its community members. It serves as a reminder of the university's dedication to fostering a community that values student success, integrity, collaboration, and commitment to excellence.
In the realm of education-and-self-development, Nathalia Harth, a sports communications graduate assistant, demonstrated her commitment to collaboration during the conference by serving as the moderator, ensuring its smooth running.
General-news topics such as athletic recruitment strategies also formed part of the conference discussions, highlighting the university's engagement with the wider world and its commitment to staying informed.
