Local Daily Dispatch - August 7, 2023

Local Daily Dispatch - August 7, 2023

Park University News Roundup: July 2023

In the world of academia and beyond, Park University continues to make strides and garner recognition. Here's a roundup of recent news and achievements from our esteemed faculty, students, and alumni.

Academic Achievements

• Dr. Debra Sheffer, Associate Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, penned a compelling chapter on African American Soldiers and their pursuit of equality during the Civil War and Great War for the book Wars Civil and Great: The American Experience in the Civil War and World War I.
• Dr. Alivia Zubrod, Assistant Professor of Psychology, co-authored an article titled "The Good, the Bad and the Complex: A Mini Meta-Analysis of Integrative Complexity, Entertainment and Perceptions of Quality" which was published in the June edition of the journal Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity and the Arts.
• Dr. Luke Herrington, Adjunct Instructor of Political Science, authored an article titled "Cutting the Chaff: Overlooked Lessons of Military UAP Sightings for Joint Force and Interagency Coordination," which appeared in the third quarter 2023 edition of Joint Force Quarterly.

Appointments and Recognition

• Dr. Gayle Copeland has been appointed as Dean for Park University's College of Education and Health Professions.
• Dr. Hugh Richards, a distinguished alumnus, was called to Los Alamos, N.M., to work on the Manhattan Project in 1943 and was put in charge of the group assigned to neutron measurements.
• Mr. Joseph McKibben, another notable alumnus, participated in the Manhattan Project and is known as "the man who pushed the button" on the "Trinity" test on July 16, 1945.
• Mr. John Cory, a graduate from Park, developed an interest in nuclear science and pursued independent studies using the works of Niels Bohr.
• Ms. Mildred McAfee, granddaughter of Park University co-founder John A. McAfee, was featured on the Aerotech News and Review website on July 6 as its Veteran of the Day.

Art and Culture

• Dora Agbas' exhibit of landscape inspired prints and artwork is on display at the Campanella Gallery at Park University from today through Sept. 22.
• The Park University International Center for Music's "Stanislav and Friends" concert from March aired in two parts on KWJC-FM (Classical KC) in Kansas City in July - part one aired on July 8 and July 9, with part two airing on July 29 and July 30.

Community Engagement

• Mr. Greg Plumb, J.D., Professor of Criminal Justice Administration, was appointed to the Platte County (Mo.) Committee for Public Safety.
• Mr. Crispin Rea, a Park University alumnus, was featured in an article that appeared in The Kansas City Star on July 3, becoming one of two Latinos elected to the Kansas City, Mo., City Council for the first time in 30 years.

Scholarly Research

• Dr. Tim Westcott, Professor of History and University Archivist at Park University, was interviewed for a story that aired on KMBC-TV in Kansas City on July 25. The interview focused on the connections between Park University and the Manhattan Project, a topic that has been the subject of much interest recently.
• In his book, Through Los Alamos, 1945: Memoirs of a Nuclear Physicist, Dr. Hugh Richards wrote about his experiences at the Trinity test, shedding light on Park University's role in the Manhattan Project.

Business and Innovation

• ECCO Select, an IT talent acquisition and advisory consulting company in Kansas City, Mo., led by Jeanette Prenger, '09, Founder/Chief Executive Officer, and a former member of Park University's Board of Trustees, was ranked No. 2 by the Kansas City Business Journal in the publication's July 14 list of Hispanic-owned businesses.
• Mike Talamantes, Director of Volleyball and Men’s / Women’s Volleyball and Women’s Beach Volleyball Head Coach for Park University's flagship Parkville (Mo.) Campus, was named to IN Kansas City's Class of 2023 Innovators and Influencers (published on July 1).

Public Service

• Mr. Erik Bergrud, Chief Strategic Communications Officer, was featured on the OMNI Human Resource Management's "Power of People" podcast on July 18.
• Mr. Steve Youngblood, Associate Professor of Communication Arts and Director of the Center for Global Peace Journalism, presented two sessions on "Reporting about Peace" at the Thessaloniki International Media Summer Academy, July 19-20, in Greece.

Upcoming Events

• The next edition of Valor, a magazine highlighting the work of the University's George S. Robb Centre for the Study of the Great War and the Valor Medals Review Project, is now available.
• The 2023 Park University Golf Scramble is scheduled for Oct. 16 at The National Golf Club of Kansas City.

With a diverse range of achievements and events, Park University continues to make its mark in the world of academia, community engagement, and beyond. Stay tuned for more updates in the coming months!

In the realm of education and self-development, Dr. Tim Westcott, Professor of History and University Archivist at Park University, shared insights about the university's connection with the Manhattan Project in an interview that aired on KMBC-TV on July 25.

Amidst general news, sports, and cultural events, the Park University International Center for Music's "Stanislav and Friends" concert from March aired in two parts on KWJC-FM (Classical KC) in Kansas City in July, providing a blend of music and arts to the community.

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