Latest Updates from The Crow's Nest Newsletter, Date: April 7, 2025
Park University, located in Parkville, Missouri, has seen a flurry of accomplishments from its faculty, staff, and students. Among the latest achievements, several individuals were honoured for their contributions in various fields.
Kaya Barringer, a junior English and professional writing major, presented her short story, "Elizabeth Fisher's Day Out," while Haley Wathen, a senior English and professional writing major, shared her short story, "A Silver Branch." Eli Wilhelm, a senior English major, showcased creative nonfiction, "A Cabin I Recall," and a critical essay, "Why Her Brother was an Aztec."
In a significant move for the institution, Dr. Paul Orscheln has been appointed as the Vice President of Enrollment and Student Services (VPESS) at Park University, effective March 3. Dr. Orscheln brings a wealth of experience to the role, with 26 years in the field, including 13 years at the executive level. His responsibilities as VPESS include directing recruitment efforts, working on overarching University policies, and addressing issues of access, affordability, and student success.
Greg Plumb, J.D., contributed to the academic discourse with a paper on "Diversity and Recidivism in Platte County, Missouri, Treatment Courts." Plumb also chaired a session on Programs and Policies of Special Needs Populations.
A trio of Park University faculty presented at the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences Annual Meeting in Denver. The presentations included Dianna Carmenaty, Ph.D., who discussed "Exploring Criminal Justice Practitioners' Highest Level of Education and Number of Citizens Complaints."
Meanwhile, Nash Porter, a senior English major, won a $500 prize in the Common Reader category at the Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society's annual convention.
Looking ahead, Park University's 2025 Giving Day aims to have 150 donors and encourages gifts to the areas that are most meaningful to donors. The event will take place between April 30 and May 1.
The university's faculty and students have also excelled in athletics, with Ricardo Hernandez being named NAIA Baseball Player of the Week, and Rosjai Curtis earning the NAIA Women's Outdoor Field Athlete of the Week.
The Park University International Center for Music's 2024-25 season will host its final two concerts on April 25 and May 7. Registration is open for Park University's Student Research and Creative Arts Symposium, to be held on April 21-22.
In celebration of Park University's 150th anniversary, the Bookstore has items for sale, including a short-sleeve T-shirt, coffee mug, and a men's polo (coming soon). The university has also signed an agreement with KU's ROTC Program for KU to provide ROTC instruction and training to qualified students at Park, effective Fall 2025.
Lastly, Park University faculty, staff, and students have received various recognitions and awards, including promotions, tenure, and awards for community involvement. John Hamilton, Ph.D., presented a paper on "Community Justice and the KC360 Violence Prevention Project."
These accomplishments highlight the vibrant and dynamic community at Park University, where students, faculty, and staff continue to excel in their respective fields.
Education and self-development achievements were showcased by students at Park University, with Kaya Barringer, Haley Wathen, Eli Wilhelm presenting their works in English and professional writing.
General news includes the appointment of Dr. Paul Orscheln as the Vice President of Enrollment and Student Services, bringing 26 years of experience to the role.
