Crimson Tides' Gazette - December 20, 2018
Park University is making headlines in Kansas City and beyond, with a series of notable events, recognitions, and partnerships.
Dr. Arnold Rampersad, renowned scholar, will deliver a lecture on the life and legacy of Jackie Robinson, whose 100th birthday will be celebrated in 2019. The lecture, in partnership with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and the National Archives at Kansas City, will take place on February 25 at the Gem Theater.
In sports, Park University's Women's Volleyball team clinched the NAIA National Championship, defeating Columbia (Mo.) College 3-2 in a thrilling match that went five sets, with the final set requiring extra play. Nada Meawad was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player and Player of the Year, while teammates Danna Gomes and Maren Roper were also recognized on the All-Tournament Team.
Celina Monteiro, a standout player, was named the tournament's Defender of the Year, adding to the team's accolades. The specific history and achievements of the Women's Volleyball team are not extensively detailed in the current search context, but checking the official Park University Athletics website or their women's volleyball team page would provide more comprehensive information.
Mike Talamantes, the university's coach, was honoured as the NAIA Coach of the Year, a testament to his leadership and the team's success.
Academically, Park University's Master of Business Administration program was ranked as the No. 1 in the Kansas City area by the Kansas City Business Journal. Additionally, the university was ranked No. 4 on the Kansas City Business Journal's list of the top Kansas City area colleges and universities, based on total local fall 2018 enrollment.
ECCO Select, led by Jeanette Prenger, '09, president and founder, and the vice chair of Park University's Board of Trustees, was ranked No. 14 on Ingram's list of the top area women-owned businesses.
The university's faculty members have also been recognised for their expertise. Brian Hoffman, Ph.D., professor of biology, provided comments for a story that appeared in the St. Joseph (Mo.) News-Press on Dec. 8. Matt Harris, Ph.D., assistant professor of political science, was interviewed for stories that aired on KSHB-TV in Kansas City on Dec. 19 and Dec. 4, and for a story that aired on WDAF-TV in Kansas City on Dec. 4, related to the number of state lawmakers in Kansas switching political parties.
Cynthia Levin, '77, producing artistic director of the Unicorn Theatre in Kansas City, Mo., was featured in a story on KCUR-FM's website on Nov. 16. Ben Zibers, director for student engagement, was interviewed for a story on KSHB-TV in Kansas City on Nov. 28 related to the esports gaming industry in the Kansas City region.
The Year of Engagement Documentary Series will screen "Inventing Tomorrow" on January 22, 2019, and "The Jazz Ambassadors" on February 11, 2019. The International Center for Music will host a concert featuring Pianist Behzod Abduraimov on January 19, 2019, and Violinist Ben Sayevich and Pianist Lolita Lisovskaya-Sayevich on February 9, 2019.
Another significant event is the Kansas Day Event: The Oceans of Kansas, which will be held on February 9, 2019, at the National Archives at Kansas City.
Kirby R. Brown is appointed as the dean of Park University's College of Management, starting his new role on January 1, 2019. Gregory Whittaker, '06, was named the 2018 Agent of the Year for the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services, and the news was published in the Jasper County (S.C.) Sun Times on Dec. 4.
Tamah Rivers, '16, was featured in a story in The Island Packet (newspaper in Bluffton, S.C.) on Nov. 23.
These achievements and events highlight Park University's vibrant and active community, demonstrating its commitment to excellence in academics, athletics, and the arts.
- Park University's Master of Business Administration program, recognized as the No. 1 in the Kansas City area, offers students a strong foundation in finance and lifestyle, preparing them for future careers in technology, education-and-self-development, and entertainment industries.
- The university's faculty members, such as Brian Hoffman and Matt Harris, are not only experts in their respective fields but also active in the community, providing insights on topics like politics and science in various media platforms.
- In addition to academic and faculty achievements, Park University's sports teams, like the Women's Volleyball team, have made significant strides, such as clinching the NAIA National Championship, showcasing the university's commitment to sports and the overall lifestyle of its students.
