Weekly Update from The Crow's Nest - April 7, 2025
Park University Shines at Conferences and Achieves Milestones
Park University has been making waves in various academic events, with numerous faculty members presenting their research and insights at prestigious conferences.
Adrian James, Ph.D., delivered an enlightening talk on "Lessons in Leadership and Learning." Meanwhile, at the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences Annual Meeting in Denver, Dianna Carmenaty, Ph.D., John Hamilton, Ph.D., and Greg Plumb, J.D., presented papers on topics ranging from criminal justice practitioners' education levels to community justice and diversity recidivism. Plumb also chaired a session on Programs and Policies of Special Needs Populations.
In a different context, Nikki Pauls DeSimone and Leslie Jensby discussed the impact of student learning through simulation. At the Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society's annual convention, Nash Porter, a senior English major, won a $500 prize in the Common Reader category for his critical essay, "Exploring the 'Not-Knowing' in Diaz's 'Amaranth Gates'."
Eleven faculty members from Park University presented sessions at the Kansas City Professional Development Council's Enhancing Teaching and Learning Conference. Toni-Rochelle Ford, Ph.D., and Stacy Yeager-Okosi, D.Mgt., spoke on "Setting the Tone for Engagement and Belonging on Day 1: A Cross Discipline, Multi-Modal Approach." Amber Dailey-Hebert, Ph.D., delivered a keynote address titled "Learning as the New Competitive Advantage."
Robert Kao, Ph.D., discussed the adoption of Digital Intelligence in the classroom, while Timothy Westcott, Ph.D., served as the conference steering committee president and organizer at a history conference. Dianna Carmenaty, Ph.D., also presented on "Amplifying Learning: The Power of Podcasting as an Auditory Academic Tool."
In other news, Dr. Paul Orscheln, who brings 26 years of experience in student success and enrollment, with the last 13 years at the executive level, has been appointed as the Vice President of Enrollment and Student Services at Park University, effective March 3. His key responsibilities and background are yet to be detailed, but he will provide strategic and operational leadership to a department that includes enrollment and student services, international student admissions and services, student financial services, marketing, campus center operations, and athletics.
As part of a yearlong recurring donor initiative, consider a monthly gift of $18.75 to reflect Park's inaugural year. Park University's Giving Day will be held between noon (Central time) on Wednesday, April 30, and noon (Central time) on Thursday, May 1. The University has set a goal of 150 donors on Giving Day.
Lastly, the Park University Barnes and Noble Bookstore has two items on sale celebrating Park University's 150th anniversary, with a third item available soon.
Park University's achievements extend beyond academic events, as Dr. Paul Orscheln, an expert in student success and enrollment, was appointed as the Vice President of Enrollment and Student Services, bringing a wealth of experience to the role.
In addition to academic endeavors, Park University's Barnes and Noble Bookstore is celebrating the university's 150th anniversary with special sales items.
