Political Rivalry Escalates: Local Mayor Involved in Alleged Surveillance of Opponent's Campaign Team, May 2, 2018
Park University Forms Partnership with Kansas City Chiefs
Park University has announced a significant collaboration with the Kansas City Chiefs, marking the university as the NFL franchise's first-ever Official Higher Education Partner. This institutional partnership positions Park University as a recognized provider of accredited degree programs connected to the Chiefs.
Expanding Educational Opportunities
As a private, non-profit university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Park University offers quality and legitimate degree programs. The partnership with the Chiefs aims to enhance educational opportunities, extending the university's reach to potential students who are players, staff, or fans associated with the team.
Mutual Benefits
For Park University, this partnership boosts visibility and strengthens its brand through association with a respected sports organization. On the other hand, the Kansas City Chiefs can benefit from educational pathways and development opportunities for players, coaching staff, or employees, supporting career growth and continuing education outside of football.
The partnership may also facilitate tailored educational programming or flexible learning options compatible with the schedules and needs of professional athletes and sports staff. However, specific programs or benefits beyond this general framework are not detailed in the current sources.
Community Engagement
The partnership extends beyond educational support. The Chiefs will recognize a Park student or graduate who is a military veteran during their annual Salute to Service game this season. Additionally, the Chiefs will work with Park to create new concepts for the Seasonal Assistant Program and offer Park students the opportunity to interview for a position in the program.
Recognizing Achievements
In other news, Chief Master Sgt. Robert Dandridge has been appointed the national command chief for the Civil Air Patrol. Moreover, the Outstanding Parkite Award, the most prestigious honor bestowed on any student at Park University, was given to seniors Margarita Araiza and Ryan Zitter in the 2017-18 academic year.
Achievements Across Departments
Several Park University students and faculty have achieved notable successes across various departments. For instance, five students in the Department of English and Modern Languages presented at the Sigma Tau Delta International Convention, while four students in the Department of Social Work presented at the Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors conference.
In the field of art, a trio of Park University fine art students are exhibiting their work as part of their senior thesis through May 31 in the Campanella Gallery on the Parkville Campus.
Athletic Achievements
On the athletic front, Park University's Department of Athletics is expanding to include a collegiate beach volleyball program for the 2018-19 academic year. Harold "Hal" Henderson, '64, and Simon Mulama, '06, have been announced as the fourth and fifth inductees to the Park Athletics Wall of Honor Class of 2018.
Recognition and Achievements
Park University was also recognized by Victory Media on its 2018-19 Military Friendly Schools list. The University received a "gold" designation in the "private, not offering doctorate" category.
Melinda Brown-Mason presented a session on "Turning Listening on its Ear" at the TESOL 2018 International Convention and English Language Expo, while Kay Barnes and Laurie DiPadova-Stocks co-facilitated a discussion on "Are Youth Ready to Engage and Lead?" at the ReThink Ed community event in Kansas City, Mo.
Notable Figures
Outside of the university, Sophie Fatu, daughter of Cristian Fatu and Victoria Martirosyan Fatu, has been featured on NBC's "Little Big Shots," "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," and is on her way to super stardom at only 5 years old.
Academic Achievements
Terrence Ward provided comments for a story that appeared on KCUR-FM in Kansas City on April 11 related to the Missouri legislature looking at passing a bill related to tax increment financing. Ward also co-presented two sessions at the National School Boards Association annual conference, April 7-9 in San Antonio.
Tami Radohl presented on "Differential Diagnosis Between Traumatic Brain Injury and Anxiety, Depression, Autism and ADHD" at the J.V. Caprez Social Work Field Day in Hays, Kan.
Commencement Ceremonies
Park University campus centers across the country have held commencement ceremonies for 2018 graduates at various locations.
Gail Hennessy, assistant professor of education, was recognized by the Northland (Kansas City) Regional Chamber of Commerce for her work on redesigning Park's undergraduate teacher preparation program.
Key Note Speaker
Gwendolyn Grant, president and chief executive officer of the Urban League of Greater Kansas City, will present the keynote address at Park University's Kansas City Area Commencement on May 12.
Bridging education with sports and general news
The partnership between Park University and the Kansas City Chiefs opens up educational opportunities for players, staff, and fans, expanding the reach of the university. This union also affords the university a platform for increased visibility and brand recognition.
Fostering self-development and community involvement
University students stand to benefit from career-focused education pathways and development opportunities in the sports sector, facilitated by the Kansas City Chiefs. Simultaneously, the community engagement initiatives stemming from this partnership, such as recognizing military veterans, create a stronger bond between Park University and the sports organization.
