University Honors Long-Standing Employee Achievements at Park
Park University recently recognised the dedication and commitment of its staff and faculty members, celebrating a combined total of 550 years of service.
On September 16, 2022, the university honoured 56 full-time employees, including several who have reached significant milestones in their service.
Dana Autry, the Senior Director of Adjunct Faculty Support and Engagement, has served Park University for five years. Patty Ryberg, Ph.D., an Associate Professor of Biology and Director of the Honors Academy, also has ten years of service under her belt. Chelsea Platt, Ph.D., an Assistant Professor of Sociology and Chair of Psychology and Sociology, and Kari Lamer, an Assistant Teaching Professor of Social Work and Director of Field Education, both joined Park University five years ago.
Linda Bell, an Assistant Teaching Professor of Accounting, has been with the university for ten years, while Jack MacLennan, an Assistant Professor of Political Science and Chair of National Security Studies, joined five years ago. Desiree Nickerson, the Assistant Director of Student Success - Virtual, has served Park University for ten years, and Brad Biles, the Director of Communications and Public Relations, has been with the university for fifteen years.
Scott Hageman, an Associate Dean and Associate Professor of Geology/Geoscience, is one of the longest-serving employees, having dedicated 25 years to Park University. Cindy Blevins, an Academic Evaluator, and Lani Hayselden, the Director of University Mail Services, have both served the university for fifteen years.
Several employees have reached the impressive milestone of 30 years of service. Dirk Schmidt, a Maintenance Worker III / HVAC, has dedicated three decades to Park University.
Park University President Shane Smeed presented Presidential Meritorious Service medallions to employees with 20-plus years of service. Among these recipients were Amber Dailey-Hebert, Ph.D., a professor of education and director of the Faculty Center for Innovation, with 20 years of service; Lacey Finley, Ph.D., the Chair and Associate Professor of Management, with five years of service; and Steven Youngblood, an Associate Professor of Communication Arts and the Director of the Center for Global Peace Journalism, with 25 years of service.
Four employees received special recognition for their 25-plus years of service, including Alex Silvius, Ph.D., an Associate Professor of Physics and Chair of Natural and Physical Sciences; Andrew Johnson, Ph.D., a Professor of Psychology; Guillermo Tonsmann, Ph.D., an Associate Professor of Computer Science; and Donna Jean, Ph.D., an Associate Professor of Chemistry.
Other employees recognised for their service include Jennifer Statler, the Associate Director of Student Financial Services, with ten years of service; Stacy Johnson, the Director of the Faculty Administrative Support Team, with ten years of service; Kathy Smith, an Adjunct Services Administrator, with ten years of service; Cathy Geehan, the Assistant Director of Admissions, with five years of service; Lorraine Galindo, a Student Success Coach, with five years of service; Kathy Howe, Ph.D., an Assistant Professor of Literacy Education and Director of the Watson Literacy Center, with five years of service; Patrick Gallegos, the Regional Director, with five years of service; Cindy Otts, the Registrar, with five years of service; Gulmira Isomadinova, the Military and Veteran Funding Analyst, with five years of service; Christy Myers, an Academic Lead and Articulation Officer, with ten years of service; Kurstian Ornelas, an Admissions Representative, with five years of service; Mohamed Abualjaija, D.B.A., an Associate Professor of Accounting and Chair of Economics, Finance, International Business and Marketing, with five years of service; Steve Bell, J.D., Ph.D., a Professor of Economics, with fifteen years of service; John Cigas, Ph.D., a Professor of Computer Science, with fifteen years of service; Cathy Taylor, J.D., the Director of Adjunct Faculty Orientation and Mentoring, with fifteen years of service; James Nelson, the Chief Technology Officer, with ten years of service; Gina Chambers, Ph.D., an Assistant Teaching Professor of Education, with ten years of service; Jennine Wilson, the Chair and Assistant Teaching Professor of Nursing, with five years of service; Greg Moore, D.B.A., the Associate Dean of the School of Business and Associate Professor of Finance, with five years of service; Terri Bradley, an Academic Evaluator, with ten years of service; and Jorge Acosta, a Custodian I, with fifteen years of service.
Additionally, Phillip Reeder, the Assistant Director of Student Financial Services, John Bower, the Manager of Facilities Maintenance, George Palacios, an Admissions Representative, Amie Koci, the Campus Center Director II, and Shelley Quinn, an Admissions Representative, were all honoured for their five years of service at Park University. Madison Woodward, the Online Operations Student Services Administrator, also received recognition for her five years of service. Lastly, Naomi Matthews, a Student Success Coach, was recognised for her fifteen years of service.
These employees' dedication and hard work have significantly contributed to Park University's success and are greatly appreciated by the university community.
In the scope of education and self-development, the university community eagerly awaits the discussions surrounding the annual general news segment dedicated to recognizing dedicated employees who have achieved milestones in their service at Park University.
Moreover, in the realm of general news, a special feature will highlight the various accomplishments and years of service of faculty members, such as Dana Autry, Patty Ryberg, and Linda Bell, whose contributions to Park University's academic programs have been vital for students' growth and overall success.
