Investigative Report - August 7, 2023
Park University, located in Parkville, Missouri, continues to make headlines with a diverse range of accomplishments and historical connections.
In a fascinating twist of history, three alumni of Park University were connected to the Manhattan Project, a research and development program during World War II that led to the creation of the first nuclear weapons. Joseph McKibben, '33, Ph.D., is known as "the man who pushed the button" on the "Trinity" test, although the exact role he played in Park University's connection to the Manhattan Project or the Trinity test remains undocumented.
Hugh Richards, '39, Ph.D., was called to Los Alamos, N.M., to work on the Manhattan Project and was put in charge of the group assigned to neutron measurements. After graduating from Park, John Cory, '42, developed an interest in nuclear science and pursued independent studies using the works of Niels Bohr. However, there is no direct mention or documented role of these individuals in Park University's connection to the Manhattan Project or the Trinity test.
The University's connections to history extend beyond the Manhattan Project. The film "Oppenheimer" features Park University and its Frances Fishburn Archives and Special Collections. Tim Westcott, Ph.D., professor of history and university archivist, was interviewed for a story that aired on KMBC-TV in Kansas City about Park's Manhattan Project connections.
Academic achievements are also flourishing at Park University. For instance, Debra Sheffer, Ph.D., professor of history and associate dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, authored a chapter on "African American Soldiers: The Struggle for Equality through Service in the Civil War and Great War" for the book Wars Civil and Great: The American Experience in the Civil War and World War I.
In the realm of art, the Campanella Gallery at Park University begins its 2023-24 season with "Plain Sights," an exhibit of landscape inspired prints and artwork by Dora Agbas.
The University's faculty continues to make significant contributions in various fields. Luke Herrington, Ph.D., adjunct instructor of political science, authored the article "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.
Meanwhile, Alivia Zubrod, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology, co-authored an article on "The Good, the Bad and the Complex: A Mini Meta-Analysis of Integrative Complexity, Entertainment and Perceptions of Quality" that was published in the June edition of the journal Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity and the Arts.
In the realm of sports, 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.
The University's students are also making their mark. Grace Henson, a sophomore geography major, has been awarded a $10,000 Reinventing Geospatial Inc. Scholarship for Geospatial and Engineering by the United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation.
The University is also looking forward to the 2023 Park University Golf Scramble, scheduled for Monday, Oct. 16, at The National Golf Club of Kansas City.
In administrative changes, Yang Sun, Ph.D., has been appointed as dean for Park University's College of Management. Gayle Copeland, Ph.D., has been appointed as dean for Park University's College of Education and Health Professions.
Lastly, Erik Bergrud, chief strategic communications officer, was featured on the OMNI Human Resource Management's "Power of People" podcast on July 18. 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.
Park University continues to be a hub of academic, historical, and administrative achievements, making it a significant institution in the community and beyond.
[1] https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/10008006/12245769 [2] https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/10008006/12245769 [3] https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/10008006/12245769 [4] https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/10008006/12245769
- The diverse accomplishments of Park University extend beyond education and self-development, as three of its alumni were involved in the Manhattan Project, a significant event in general news history.
- In addition to sports and administrative updates, Park University continues to forge partnerships in various fields, such as art and history, as seen in the feature of the University in the film "Oppenheimer" and the publication of Debra Sheffer's work in the book Wars Civil and Great.
