Park University Installs Shane Smeed as Its Eighteenth President
New Leader Takes Reins at Park University
Shane B. Smeed has been appointed as the 18th president of Park University, effective from January 1, 2022. Smeed, who has served as the interim president since late November 2020, brings a wealth of experience and commitment to his new role.
Smeed's educational background includes a Master of Business Administration degree from Keller Graduate School of Management, a Master of Arts degree in student personnel administration from St. Louis University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in business operations from DeVry Institute of Technology. He has spent 23 years honing his skills in higher education, serving in various roles.
Prior to joining Park University in 2015, Smeed served as a vice president at Kaplan University (now Purdue University Global). Before that, he held various leadership roles at DeVry University, including four years as president in Kansas City, Mo. Smeed's career in higher education also includes a stint as vice president and chief operating officer at Ottawa (Kan.) University.
At Park University, Smeed has provided strategic and tactical leadership to more than half of the University's staff in various areas. He has demonstrated a strong commitment to a "Park United" and leading a University that celebrates diversity, serving a growing student body, and earning recognition from its faculty and staff as an employer of choice.
Smeed's belief in Park University's motto, Fides et Labor (Latin for faith and work), inspires students, faculty, and staff to achieve all their goals. He participated in Harvard University's Institute for Educational Management program in 2019, furthering his understanding of leadership in higher education.
Vince Clark, chair of the University's Board of Trustees, approved Smeed's appointment. Smeed expressed his honor and humility at being chosen to serve as president of Park University.
Outside of work, Smeed and his wife, Angela, who owns and operates Angela Smeed Design LLC, are proud parents to three children: Samantha, 19; Andrew, 17; and Landon, 12. Smeed also serves on the boards of Synergy Services in Parkville, the Command and General Staff College Foundation at Fort Leavenworth, and the Planning and Zoning Commission for the City of Parkville, Mo. He has held volunteer leadership and board roles with several Kansas City area organizations.
While details about Smeed's previous roles before becoming president of Park University are not widely available, his impressive career trajectory and dedication to higher education make him an ideal fit for this new position. We look forward to seeing the positive impact he will have on Park University in the years to come.
[1] [Search Result 1] [2] [Search Result 2]
Shane B. Smeed's aspiration to promote education-and-self-development and career-development is evident in his extensive experience in higher education, including skills-training programs. His commitment to education is further demonstrated by his participation in the Harvard University's Institute for Educational Management program.
In his role as the president of Park University, Smeed aims to provide strategic leadership that focuses on honing the skills of the University's staff, fostering a diverse student body, and ensuring Park University remains an employer of choice.
