Latest News from The Crow's Nest: July 8, 2025
Park University has recently announced several notable developments, including the election of new members to its Board of Trustees and the recognition of outstanding alumni and faculty.
Scott Jackman, the president of the U.S. division and vice president of sales and marketing for Deveron, an agriculture technology company based in Toronto, Canada, has been elected as the new chair of Park University's Board of Trustees for the 2025-26 fiscal year. Jackman, who brings a wealth of experience from both the military and business sectors, replaces Terry Calaway, Ed.D., as board chair.
Joining Jackman on the board are four new trustees: Brian Mertz, Lewis Nerman, Sam Stahnke, and Levi Young, M.D. Young, a 2001 graduate of Park University, has a background in medicine, while the specific professional backgrounds of Mertz, Nerman, and Stahnke were not detailed. The new members were elected to serve three-year terms starting July 1, 2025.
In addition to Jackman, Mark Noe, Ph.D., professor of communication arts and director of the Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership degree program at Park University, has also been granted professor emeritus status.
The board has also elected Mara Cohara, J.D., as vice chair, Sarah Moe as secretary, and Jeff Anthony as treasurer. Terry Calaway continues as a trustee and immediate past chair of the board.
Outside the board, Zonovia Crier, '03, was honoured by VFW Post 4372 in Odessa for her military service on Women Veterans Day on June 12. Crier's service is a testament to the university's commitment to supporting its veterans.
In the realm of academics, Mallory Brown, '24 MPA, was appointed as the community development director in Excelsior Springs in February. Meanwhile, Barry Wilcox, adjunct instructor of sport and exercise science, won four gold medals during the spring Union Cycliste Internationale Paracycling Road World Cup events in Belgium and Italy.
The university's George S. Robb Centre for the Study of the Great War is conducting a Valor Medals Review Project, and a 5-minute story related to 12 Native Americans from Oklahoma being eligible for the project aired on KQCW-TV in Tulsa, Okla., on June 23.
Several alumni have also achieved notable successes. Shane Smeed, past Park University president, appeared on "Latter-day Profiles" on June 8. Shawn Dulohery, '88, was appointed as the head coach of the shooting sports program at Missouri Valley College on June 5. Catrina Lloyd, '13, MPA '17, was appointed as the executive director of Asheville (N.C.) Watchdog in late May. Siabhan May-Washington, '06, Ed.D., was announced as a member of the Kansas City Business Journal's 2025 class of Women of Influence in late May.
Lastly, three individuals will be officially recognized as part of Park University Parkville (Mo.) Campus Department of Athletics' Wall of Honor Class of 2025. The honorees are Sherry (Faulconer) Bowmar, '05, softball, Bob Kendrick, '85, meritorious service, and Erik Bergrud, MPA '94, meritorious service.
Upcoming events at Park University include the American Red Cross Blood Drive on July 10, Bell Road Barn Players' "Fools" by Neil Simon from July 18-27, Barstow (Calif.) Community College Campus Commencement Ceremony on July 24, and the El Paso (Texas) Campus / Fort Bliss (Texas) Campus / Holloman Air Force Base (N.M.) Campus Commencement Ceremony on September 1.
These developments and achievements highlight the vibrant and active community at Park University, with a focus on academic excellence, military service, and community engagement.
- General news: The incoming chair of Park University's Board of Trustees for the 2025-26 fiscal year, Scott Jackman, brings experience from both the military and business sectors, showcasing the university's commitment to education-and-self-development and diversity in leadership.
- Sports: Barry Wilcox, an adjunct instructor of sport and exercise science at Park University, won four gold medals during the spring Union Cycliste Internationale Paracycling Road World Cup events in Belgium and Italy, demonstrating the university's connection to sports and athletic achievements.
