Latest Dispatches from The Crow's Nest - 7th April, 2025
Park University News: March 2025
Park University is buzzing with activity as faculty members present at conferences, students excel in academic pursuits, and new initiatives are announced. Here's a roundup of recent events and developments at the institution.
Academic Achievements
Nikki Pauls DeSimone, assistant professor of social work, and Leslie Jensby, director of the Bachelor of Social Work program and associate teaching professor of social work, presented on "The Impact of Student Learning through Simulation" at the Kansas City Professional Development Council's Enhancing Teaching and Learning Conference on March 1.
Toni-Rochelle Ford, Ph.D., associate professor of marketing, and Stacy Yeager-Okosi, D.Mgt., associate professor of business analytics, presented on "Setting the Tone for Engagement and Belonging on Day 1: A Cross Discipline, Multi-Modal Approach" at the same conference.
Park University faculty also presented at the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences Annual Meeting in Denver, March 13-14. Dianna Carmenaty, Ph.D., assistant professor of criminal justice administration, presented a paper on "Amplifying Learning: The Power of Podcasting as an Auditory Academic Tool". John Hamilton, Ph.D., professor emeritus of criminal justice administration, presented a paper on "Community Justice and the KC360 Violence Prevention Project". Greg Plumb, J.D., professor of criminal justice administration, presented a paper on "Diversity and Recidivism in Platte County, Missouri, Treatment Courts".
Promotions and Tenure
The Park University Board of Trustees approved promotion and/or tenure for several faculty members during its meeting on March 6, effective with the start of the 2025-26 academic year on Aug. 1.
Vice President of Enrollment and Student Services
Dr. Paul Orscheln has been appointed as the Vice President of Enrollment and Student Services at Park University, effective March 3. With 26 years of experience in student success and enrollment, including the last 13 years at the executive level, Dr. Orscheln brings a wealth of knowledge to his new role. His main responsibilities will include directing recruitment efforts, working on overarching University policies, and addressing issues of access, affordability, college readiness, and student success.
Giving Day and Sales
Park University's Giving Day will be held between noon (Central time) on April 30, and noon (Central time) on May 1. The goal of this event is to have 150 donors. Meanwhile, the Park University Barnes and Noble Bookstore has two items on sale celebrating Park University's 150th anniversary, with a third item available soon.
ICM Events
The ICM's season will come to an end on Wednesday, May 7, as the father-daughter duo of pianist Stanislav Ioudenitch and violinist Maria Ioudenitch will perform. The ICM's 2024-25 season will host its final two concerts of the season in a span of 12 days. The ICM Orchestra's season finale performance will feature guest conductor Barbara Yahr and ICM graduate student cellist Diyorbek Nortojiev.
Community Engagement
Dan Gerber, director of academic retention initiatives, participated in the American Lung Association's Fight for Air Climb - Kansas City on March 2. Amber Dailey-Hebert, Ph.D., director of the Faculty Center for Innovation and professor of organizational leadership and adult learning, gave a keynote address titled "Learning as the New Competitive Advantage".
ROTC Partnership
Park University has signed an agreement with KU's ROTC program for KU to provide ROTC instruction and training to qualified students at Park, effective Fall 2025.
Research Opportunities
Lynh Nguyen, a senior psychology major, has been accepted into the U.S. National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates program. Adrian James, Ph.D., associate dean of the College of Management and associate professor of management, presented on "Lessons in Leadership and Learning".
Registration Deadline
Registration deadline for Park University's Student Research and Creative Arts Symposium is Friday, April 11. As part of a yearlong recurring donor initiative, consideration is being made for a monthly gift of $18.75 to reflect Park's inaugural year.
Award Recognition
Greg Plumb, J.D., professor of criminal justice administration, was honored by the Parkville (Mo.) Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Council on March 1 with the Sour website Plug Award.
Stay tuned for more updates from Park University!
- Park University's commitment to education and self-development is evident in the academic achievements of faculty members, such as Nikki Pauls DeSimone and Leslie Jensby, who presented at the Enhancing Teaching and Learning Conference on the impact of student learning through simulation.
- The university's emphasis on education and self-development extends beyond the classroom, as demonstrated by various initiatives like research opportunities for students, such as the U.S. National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates program for senior psychology major Lynh Nguyen.
