Latest Edition of The Crow's Nest Newsletter, Published on March 4, 2025
Park University is buzzing with news and developments in February and March 2025. Here's a roundup of some of the key events, appointments, and achievements taking place at the institution.
Nikita Korzukhin and pianist Ali Mammadoff, students at the International Center for Music (ICM), will perform a recital on March 27, 2025. The duo's performance is one of several exciting musical events scheduled at the ICM this month, including an appearance by cellist Nikita Korzukhin and pianist Ali Mammadoff on March 14 and an ICM Orchestra concert with guest conductor Barbara Yahr on April 25.
In administrative news, John Huber has been appointed as director of corporate development and admissions within the Office of Enrollment Management at Park University, effective Jan. 27, 2025. Scott Fergerson has also been promoted to the role of chief financial officer at Park University, effective Feb. 2, 2025.
Meanwhile, Scott Fergerson's appointment as chief financial officer comes as President Shane Smeed prepares to leave Park University for a new role. Shane Smeed has been appointed as the 19th president of Utah Tech University in St. George, Utah, but there is no evidence to suggest that there is any transition plan involving Park University in relation to his Utah Tech appointment.
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. The event is one of several upcoming events at Park University, including an art exhibit titled RE: Generation Community Artists, which runs through April 26, and the Student Research and Creative Arts Symposium, scheduled for April 21-22.
In the world of academia, Matt Harris, Ph.D., has been making waves in the media, being interviewed for stories that aired on KMBZ-FM, KMBC-TV, and KCTV in Kansas City, as well as KSHB-TV in relation to Missouri lawmakers' efforts, federal layoffs, and the use of artificial intelligence in an "Unfinished Legacies" campaign in Kansas City, Mo.
Jack MacLennan, Ph.D., authored a chapter on "Teaching Online 'Finding a Way Through Assessment Mirages: Teaching IR as a Toolset Online'" published in The Palgrave Handbook on the Pedagogy of International Relations Theory on Feb. 12. Alla Adams, Ph.D., served as the moderator for a virtual Healthcare Administration Internship Panel for the American College of Healthcare Executives Southeast Texas Chapter on Feb. 21.
Sudhindra Bose, who studied at Park College, was featured in a story that appeared in Scroll, a digital news publication based in India on Feb. 5. Amber Dailey-Hebert, Ph.D., co-authored "Understanding the Complexity of Centers for Teaching and Learning: Introducing a Four-Dimensional Model", published Jan. 29 in Higher Education, an international journal of higher education research.
On the sports front, 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. Kody Petersen, '24, was also appointed as the veterans initiatives manager with the Branson (Mo.) Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau, as reported in the Branson Globe on Feb. 27.
Finally, 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. 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. Stephen Cox, '88, and 2009 Distinguished Alumnus Award honoree, also appeared on "The Frank and Jill Show" that aired on KTRS-AM in St. Louis on Feb. 17.
David Chesher, senior director of technology, provided a list of tips and simple steps for a story that aired on WDAF-TV in Kansas City on Feb. 25 related to a recent influx of scam phone calls. The story serves as a reminder for everyone to stay vigilant and protect themselves against potential scams.
With so much happening at Park University, it's an exciting time for students, faculty, and staff alike. Keep an eye on Park University's website and social media channels for the latest updates and announcements.
- The performance of Nikita Korzukhin and pianist Ali Mammadoff, students at the International Center for Music (ICM), is not just a musical event, but also a testament to their ongoing education-and-self-development in the field of music.
- Jack MacLennan, Ph.D., has contributed to the academic community through his book chapter on teaching International Relations online, showcasing his dedication to education-and-self-development in the realm of pedagogy.
