Unveiling at The Crow's Nest, August 23, 2019: Latest Developments

Unveiling at The Crow's Nest, August 23, 2019: Latest Developments

Park University has announced the appointment of Dr. Karen Garber-Miller as the dean of the College of Education and Health Professions, effective from August 5th. Dr. Garber-Miller, a seasoned educator with extensive experience in higher education administration, brings a wealth of knowledge to her new role at Park University.

Before joining Park University, Dr. Garber-Miller served as the dean of the School of Education at Avila University in Kansas City, Missouri, from 2012 to 2018. Prior to that, she held the position of chair of teacher education at MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, Kansas. Earlier in her career, she also served as an instructor at Johnson County Community College and as a high school teacher at Olathe South High School and Piper High School.

Dr. Garber-Miller was recently featured on ThriveGlobal's website as part of a series on "Life and Leadership Lessons Learned in the Military." Her military service also includes a stint as dean and chair of the School of Education and Psychology from 2001 to 2003 at a different institution.

The University is expecting enrollment at the start of the Fall 2019 semester to exceed its projections. This growth is expected to continue as Park University continues to expand its offerings and footprint, including the recent expansion of its Gilbert, Arizona campus.

In addition to academic developments, Park University has been making headlines for other reasons. The University was featured on the front page of the Platte County Citizen related to Missouri Governor Mike Parson's visit to the Parkville Campus. The University's esports program was also featured in a "KC Voices" podcast produced by KCTV.

The University's Banned Books Week project will be themed "Love is Love" with a focus on banned books featuring LGBTQIA+ characters, authors, and content. The Freedom to Read Foundation has awarded a $1,000 grant to Park University's McAfee Memorial Library in support of 2019 Banned Books Week events.

Homecoming and Family Weekend 2019 will take place on Park University's Parkville Campus from September 19th to 21st. Events during the weekend include the Park University Alumni Association Awards Program, International Center for Music Concert, Athletics Wall of Honor Induction Breakfast, Family Fun Day Event, Park House Celebration, and women's and men's soccer matches vs. Freed-Hardeman University.

The University has also received recognition for its academic programs, with ASecureLife.com ranking Parkville Campus No. 5 on its "100 Most Secure College Campuses in the U.S." list. AffordableSchools.net ranked Park's online Bachelor of Science degree in management/healthcare No. 12 on its "25 Top Value Healthcare Administration/Management Online Degrees (Bachelor's) 2019" list. Study.com ranked Park's online business degree programs No. 20 on its "Best Online Business Degree Programs" list.

The upcoming Dr. Jerzy Hauptmann Distinguished Guest Lecture Series will feature Stephen Walt, Ph.D., the Robert and Reneé Belfer Professor of International Affairs in the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, on September 12th. The lecture will be held in the Jenkin and Barbara David Theater within Alumni Hall on the University's Parkville Campus.

In other news, four Park University staff members presented workshops at the Summer Institute on Distance Learning and Instructional Technology Conference in Hays, Kansas, on August 1st and 2nd. Aimee Patton, director of marketing/digital, was interviewed for a story that aired on WDAF-TV in Kansas City regarding legislation proposed by Missouri Senator Josh Hawley. Vincent Morales, a senior interdisciplinary studies major, received a "pay-it-forward" recognition by a Veterans Community Project volunteer and WDAF-TV in Kansas City.

Brent Short, director of library services, had three poems published in the recent edition of Saint Katherine Review, a journal of poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, and reviews. Chelsea Platt, Ph.D., assistant professor of sociology, presented her paper "You've Been GOOPed! Lifestyle Consumption as Holistic Health Behaviors" at the American Sociological Association annual meeting in New York on August 12th.

Elizabeth (Bootsie) Martinez, lecturer of English at the Gilbert Campus, authored an article titled "Who Causes Trouble?" Eugene Matthews, Ph.D., associate professor of criminal justice administration, was interviewed for a story that aired on KSHB-TV in Kansas City related to the finding of human remains on a farm in rural Missouri.

The University is also hosting a symposium on "The Status of Peacebuilding Between India and Pakistan" at Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, Kansas, on August 27th. The discussion will include Rajmohan Gandhi, Abhijit Mazumdar, Ph.D., assistant professor of journalism at Park, Cynthia Lukas, co-producer of the documentary "Gandhi's Gift," and Steve Youngblood, director of the CGPJ and associate professor of communications.

Park House on Park University's Parkville Campus was featured in a story that aired on KMBC-TV and KSHB-TV. Throughout the weekend, food and toiletries for Park University's Pirate Pantry will be accepted.

Finally, Park University is expanding its Gilbert, Arizona campus space at the University Building located in Gilbert's Heritage District. The University Building, which was highlighted in the Phoenix Business Journal, will provide approximately 7,000 square-feet of classroom and office space. Park University kicked off its inaugural season of intercollegiate athletics this month at the Gilbert Campus.

While the specific list of Park University’s 2019 Homecoming and Family Weekend honored alumni is not available in the current search results, interested parties are encouraged to consult Park University’s official archives, alumni office, or contact the university directly for the most accurate and detailed information on their 2019 honorees.

1. Dr. Garber-Miller's expertise spans various fields, including education, mental health, health-and-wellness, and personal growth, having served as a dean and chair in various institutions.
2. The University's Banned Books Week project focuses on diversity, with a theme of "Love is Love," featuring books that highlight LGBTQIA+ characters, authors, and content.
3. Eligible students can pursue online degrees in areas such as business, management, healthcare, and skills training, with Park University's programs often receiving recognition for their value and quality.
4. Park University's Gilbert, Arizona campus is growing, offering more space for learning, with expanded classroom and office facilities, as well as sporting events for both men and women.

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