Unveiling at The Crow's Nest on July 31, 2019:

Unveiling at The Crow's Nest on July 31, 2019:

In a significant visit to Park University's Parkville campus on July 25, Missouri Governor Mike Parson paid tribute to the institution and its community. During his visit, Governor Parson was presented with a handcrafted pen, a gesture of goodwill from Park University President Greg Gunderson, Ph.D.

The visit was an opportunity for Governor Parson to learn about Park University's various initiatives, including its history, work-study model, technology usage, military commitment, and workforce development programmes. He was also shown presentations about the University's Military Credit Fast App and Valor Medals Review, which aim to support minority veterans who served in World War I.

A poignant moment of the visit was the honouring of Jessica Ramirez, who walked in Park University's commencement ceremony. Ramirez was escorted across the stage by members of El Paso law enforcement to honour her husband, Carlos, who was killed in the line of duty after being struck by a passing vehicle during a routine traffic stop on July 2.

Elsewhere on the campus, notable events were taking place. Lynn Bondurant, a retired NASA educational programs officer and Park University alumnus, appeared on the KCUR-FM (Kansas City) program "Up To Date" on July 19 for a 30-minute interview to discuss the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission and the presentation he made on July 20 at Union Station Kansas City.

In the world of sports, Ashley Jones, the esports head coach, was elected to the board of directors and chair-elect for the National Association of Collegiate Esports. Meanwhile, Casi Joy McCall, a Park University alumna known by her stage name Casi Joy, competed in season 12 of NBC's "The Voice," and was featured in an hour-long podcast produced by WDAF-TV in Kansas City on July 30.

Park University's commitment to supporting active duty service members was also evident. The University announced that it will waive the tuition of one class (up to three credit hours) for any active duty service member, guard, or reservist who is enrolled for the Fall semester or Fall I term, after tuition assistance, G.I. Bill benefits, and federal student aid benefits have been exhausted. New military students will also have their admission fee waived by the University.

In recognition of its achievements, Park University ranked No. 75 on the list of the top Kansas City area private-sector employers, based on the number of full-time equivalent employees in the Kansas City area, according to the July 19 edition of the Kansas City Business Journal. The University also ranked No. 14 on the list of private colleges/universities in Missouri and Kansas, based on graduate enrollment in Fall 2018, in the July issue of Ingram's, Kansas City's business magazine.

Park University campuses across the country are holding commencement ceremonies for 2019 graduates. The 2019 Park University Golf Scramble, a four-person tournament that benefits the University's Parkville Campus athletic programs, is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 14, at The National Golf Club of Kansas City.

In the cultural sphere, the opening art exhibit in the Park University 2019-20 Campanella Gallery exhibition season will feature mixed media works by Kansas City region artist Laurel DeFreece. The University is also assisting active duty U.S. service members who may be impacted by restrictions on federal tuition assistance.

The University's Board of Trustees also underwent some changes, with Mitzi Cardenas, Mara Cohara, and Sarah Moe Meyers elected to serve a three-year term on the Board, effective July 1. Jeanette Prenger was elected as the chair of the Board of Trustees for the 2019-20 year. Jackie Snyder, Troy Teague, and Lynn Craghead were elected as vice chair, secretary, and treasurer of the Board, respectively.

In other news, Dana Frasca was appointed as director of network academic success at Park University, Brent Short was appointed as director of library services, and Isaac Barber was appointed as director of residence life. Steve Youngblood, associate professor of communication arts and director of the Center for Global Peace Journalism, facilitated an International Relations Council community conversation on "Media and Horrifying Images: Necessary Evil or Unnecessarily Sensational?" on July 25 in North Kansas City, Mo.

A guest commentary authored by Steve Youngblood, responding to the use of photos in telling the stories of migrants and refugees, appeared on The Kansas City Star website on July 12. Matt Harris, Ph.D., assistant professor of political science, was interviewed for a story that aired on KSHB-TV in Kansas City on July 8 related to the announcement that former Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach would run for U.S. Senate.

Finally, a picture book manuscript by Virginia Brackett, Ph.D., professor emerita of English, was named a finalist in the William Penn Foundation's Early Childhood Book Challenge.

These developments underscore Park University's ongoing commitment to education, community engagement, and service. For the most accurate and updated details on these and other topics related to Park University, we recommend checking Park University’s official announcements or Missouri state government press releases about Governor Parson’s activities and veteran-related educational initiatives.

1. The visit by Missouri Governor Mike Parson to Park University's Parkville campus provided an opportunity to discuss the University's initiatives in education-and-self-development, such as their workforce development programs, military commitment, and technology usage.
2. In the realm of sports, Ashley Jones, the esports head coach at Park University, was elected to the board of directors and chair-elect for the National Association of Collegiate Esports, demonstrating the University's involvement in general-news topics.

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