Park Stories Archives - Page 2 of 3 -

Make Your Mark

by Bridget Locke, Director of Strategic Communications, April 2020

Manika Karki, Park U freshman, enjoys the view from atop the stairs of Mackay Hall.

In August 2019, just as criminal justice major Manika Karki arrived in the United States for her freshman year at Park University, an article published in the Himalayan Times confirmed what she always believed about law enforcement in her native Nepal: women are not well-represented in the field.

But Manika won’t be deterred and has already charted the course for her life after graduation: she intends to become the first female chief of police in her home country. Manika is ready to make her mark.

It began with a plan
Before coming to Parkville, Manika had already begun studying law at the Central Law College of Nepal. Once she heard more about Park at a United States Education Foundation (USEF) event in Kathmandu, she reconsidered her strategy.

“I almost devoted eight months to study for the admission exam and after graduation applying for police officer was my goal. Deep down, I also felt that an education abroad could give me a level of independence and confidence that I could not achieve at home,” Manika said.

While the thought of moving to the U.S. to study was invigorating, it took a while for Manika to share these dreams with her family. She knew her parents would have reservations about sending their only daughter to America alone.

That’s where Kevin Vicker, Senior Director of International Education, and Lora Zaidarhzauva, Associate Director of International Recruitment, stepped in. Kevin and Lora made contact with Manika after her initial inquiry and became extremely helpful during the enrollment process. They translated information from Park’s website, assisted Manika with student visa paperwork, and even offered to help communicate with her parents, who were — as she predicted — very skeptical, initially.

Manika, proud to share the culture of Nepal, at Park’s International Festival, Nov. 2019. Photo credit: Matilda Kudaya.

“I have relatives in Los Angeles, but Park is nowhere close to them, so my parents were very worried,” Manika said. “I was able to convince them myself that I would be fine, but Lora offered to host a video chat with my parents to ease their concerns, if needed. I appreciate how supportive Lora and Kevin have been along the way.”

Now that she’s finishing up her first year, Manika realizes she has grown a lot, just like she predicted—even when it was challenging.

“The first few weeks were rough,” she reflected. “Just before I left, I found out that my wisdom teeth were impacted, so I was healing from dental surgery. I was also sick for two weeks, because I needed to adjust to American food.”

And then there was the weather.

While Manika was at first thrilled to experience snow, her excitement quickly waned as the Midwest winter trudged on and on …

“I’m very glad to see spring,” she laughed.

Global perspective and a growing network
Manika has several examples to pattern her career aspirations after: her grandfather and father, who both served as officers in Nepal, and now her professors at Park, who also have real-world experience as probation and police officers.

Manika on the steps of Herr House, eager for warm spring weather.

She’s also grateful for what she’s learning outside of the classroom.

“My university experiences have been amazing. I have learned so many new things in such a short period of time, and it has gone by so fast,” Manika said. “I am exploring more about myself every day. I have learned that it’s important to socialize and meet new people. Making the decision about studying abroad was a huge step for me; I had never been away from my family for more than 10 days from my family, but believed I would gain a global perspective and create a huge network of ideas and friends. My friends have become like family from different parts of the world.”

But no matter what she learns or where she studies, it is important to Manika to remember what her parents have instilled in her.

“My parents have played a very important role in shaping my personality and helping me to become who I am. My father often reminds me, ‘You are not there to follow others. Make your mark.’ So, that’s what I intend to do while studying at Park. I will find my voice and make a mark.”

Future Philanthropists

by Bridget Locke, Director of Strategic Communications

Morgan Milledge, Excelsior Springs, MO native and Park University English major, knew she wanted to make a difference in the world long before she arrived on Park’s campus.

“I started volunteering regularly with non-profit organizations in high school with my grandma and sister,” Morgan said. “That was the first time I realized how many people around me were in need. It was eye-opening.”

Her experience and compassion have paid off. As part of a pilot competitive scholarship program in the Park University Hauptmann School of Public Affairs, Morgan, a sophomore, was selected to be a Park University Service Scholar. During the selection process, participating students were asked to reflect on prior community service experiences and share how giving back impacted their world view. Morgan’s familiarity with volunteering gave her a clear perspective and solid advantage.

As part of the program, Morgan takes a leading role in steering her PS125 Lifespan Development classmates through a series of exercises: reading organizations’ annual reports, examining their needs and impact, and sending out requests for proposals. The class, taught by Brian Cowley, Ph.D., professor of psychology, will select a deserving non-profit to gift with $1,000 once their analysis is over. (The non-profit donations and the three-credit-hour scholarships are funded by a 2019 Park University Spark Tank grant that the Hauptmann School received for this project.)

Morgan is careful to give her classmates equal credit for digging in and doing the work that will make a difference.

“Even though I have a leadership role in the project, we’re all working hard to learn more about community needs,” she said. “Every person involved plays an important part in picking the right organization to support. It’s been a truly collaborative effort.”

Morgan hopes to see the project grow in participant number – and funding – in the years to come. She also has plans to grow her giving once her time as a Service Scholar ends.

“I’ve learned so much more about philanthropy through this process,” she said. “There are so many worthy organizations in the area. I will walk away from this experience with a stronger understanding of how they all work to benefit our community … and with a long list of organizations that I plan to support in the future.”

Classroom Creativity: Park Alum Motivates Brilliant Young Minds

by Bridget Locke, Director of Strategic Communications, January 2020

Although education was not his field of study as an undergraduate at Park University, alumnus Grant Williams, ’17, felt the pull toward teaching for many years.

Grant first began spending time in classrooms as a high school volunteer, earning the service hours required for various scholarships. Realizing he might have stumbled onto a career, Grant began student teaching in college while earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Park in 2017. After spending time substitute teaching, Grant became a teacher resident with the Kansas City Teacher Residency. The Residency program allowed him to co-teach with a mentor while earning his teaching certification and a master’s degree in education.

The work is fulfilling. It’s life-changing. And it’s “orders of magnitude” harder than one might imagine.

Creativity at work: Grant challenged his students in math, and they met his expectations. His part of the deal? Singing “I’m a Little Teapot” for everyone in the lunchroom. Photo credit: Grant Williams.

Meeting needs, motivating minds
The 2019-20 academic year marks Grant’s first year with a class of his own: a brilliant and spirited group of second graders at Phillis Wheatley Elementary School in Kansas City, Mo. While he has many years of training under his belt, Grant shared that effectively leading his own classroom–understanding their different personalities, needs and strengths—can be physically, mentally and emotionally demanding.

“Teaching is orders of magnitude harder than I could have ever possibly imagined. There are so many second-by-second decisions that take place.”

While managing a classroom takes skill and experience, inspiring students to learn often takes creativity and compassion.

“Wheatley students come from all walks of life, and some face tremendous hardships that many of us cannot even begin to fathom. Getting students motivated to learn and work, particularly those who struggle academically, is the hardest part of our job.”

Fortunately, Grant and his teaching colleagues are up for the challenge. In the last academic quarter of 2019, the first, second and third grade students at Wheatley Elementary studied non-fiction writing. To build their interest, Grant and his fellow teachers collaborated on initiatives to build excitement around the curriculum.

KCMO Mayor Quinton Lucas, reading to Grant’s class. Photo credit: Grant Williams

During the quarter, special guests came in to read to them–including Kansas City, Missouri Mayor Quinton Lucas, who responded to Grant’s personal outreach via Twitter. At the end of the quarter, the students concluded the learning unit by participating in a writing celebration, where they presented their work before an audience of fellow students, their parents and other invited guests.

The curriculum and the event taught them an important lesson about storytelling that can sometimes get lost at their age: communication is a two-way connection between the author or speaker and the audience. Grant often encourages his students to consider their audience when writing and believes that having an audience there, listening to them present their work, provided a very literal demonstration of the concept.

Beyond the teachable moments, the writing party provided an opportunity to celebrate their hard work.

Grant gets Wheatley Elementary’s students excited for their end-of-quarter writing celebration.

“To my knowledge, our school never had an assembly where student work was showcased to students and families,” said Grant. “We did not change the curriculum. We simply provided a fun way for them to exercise what they were already learning. The goal of the event was for students to see how cool it is to be a writer and how fun it is to celebrate hard work. So often hard work is put in without recognition. If a student gives his or her best effort, they deserve to be recognized for that. The writing party allowed that to happen.”

Try a little help from my friends
Among the special guests in the audience were visitors from his alma mater: Leah Fletcher, Director of Park University’s Career Development Center, and Meg Evans, Career Coach. The Career Development team saw Grant’s post about the writing celebration on LinkedIn and wanted to help him make the celebration special.

As a result, Grant became the catalyst for and first recipient of Career Development Center’s Professional Development Alumni Scholarship which, through a selection process, awards funds to employed Park U alumni who are pursuing professional development opportunities, have funding needs for enhanced work-related technology, or need to purchase supplies for a professional project.

The needed supplies, in Grant’s case? A tried-and-true motivator for first, second and third grade students from generation to generation: sugar.

Meg Evans, Park U Career Coach, enjoys meeting the brilliant writers of Phillis Wheatley Elementary School.

“Park’s Career Development team provided donuts and juice for the students at the celebration, which we otherwise would not have been able to provide; they’re very costly. But most importantly, Leah and Meg interacted with students, encouraged them during their presentations, and helped demonstrate to students that there are people outside the four walls of their classroom who really care about their success as learners,” Grant said.

Grant, who served as Park Student Government Association president as an undergrad, credits Park for preparing him for this career. “As a student, I was and am still learning from people who have been in the trenches that I am jumping into. Park has a ton of resources available for students. The value of this cannot be understated. The Career Development Center was a great asset during undergrad to help me explore opportunities—and they continue to support me as an alum.”

And he credits teaching for making him a well-rounded human being.

“Since becoming a teacher, I have learned a lot about myself as an educator and person. It is absolutely okay to be human. We often find ourselves in situations where we constantly have to be ‘on.’ The reality is, however, that we are human and make mistakes. It is important to be malleable in teaching. Just as students have to be molded and grow as students, educators have to grow and be molded into being highly effective teachers for our kids.”

Don’t “save.” Serve.
Being a teacher is very rewarding, Grant feels, and provides an avenue for making a difference in society. Still, he cautions current and future teachers against adopting a savior complex: “Education as a career should not be pursued if you want to ‘save’ students. Students do not need saving; they need high-quality teachers who want to help them learn and grow.”

And to that end, Grant acknowledges all the adults who helped him develop—which is why he is honored and eager to serve in that same capacity.

“I would not be where I am today if not for so many positive adult role models when I was younger. I encourage anyone: if you have a chance to be a positive influence in a child’s life, do not hesitate.”

A Taste of Home

Park alums make great entrepreneurs! In the videos below, Cristian Maciel and Marco Rabello, owners of Kansas City restaurants Taste of Brazil and Chicken Please, reflect on their journey as students, athletes and business owners with big plans. Check this space often for new posts!

Living, Learning and Catching Fish

by Bridget Locke, Director of Strategic Communications, December 2019

Brittany Wagner isn’t one for excuses—and she comes by it honestly.

“I don’t ever let anyone tell me that I cannot do something,” Brittany said. “There’s a popular proverb that reads: ‘If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day; if you teach a man to fish, he will eat for a lifetime.’ When I was growing up, my mom’s favorite saying was, ‘I’m not going to give you a fish.’ She taught me early that the best way to be self-sufficient is to learn to do things for myself. I was raised to believe I could accomplish anything if I worked hard enough.”

“Anything” includes graduating from Park University in Fall 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Social Psychology. Brittany comes by her Park affiliation honestly, too.

Mom showed me
In the late 90s, Heather Bremen was a hardworking single mom who wanted a more meaningful career, so she began taking evening classes at Park. After three years, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and soon after, earned a Master of Education degree from another institution.

Brittany (center) strikes a holiday pose with her mom Heather (left) and Aunt Heidi (right).

All the while, Heather’s daughter Brittany was watching and learning.
“Although Mom worked a lot and my grandparents helped out, I watched her balance it all,” Brittany recalled. “She was always available to me. My mom showed me that it’s possible to be an adult student who is fully present in life and in learning.”

So strong was Heather’s example that Heidi Bremen-Schmitz, Heather’s sister, decided to attend Park, as well, and graduated in 2007 with a degree in education. Today, the sisters continue to inspire one another; Heather teaches first grade and Heidi teaches second grade in the same elementary school.

Seeing that it was possible to be a working adult—with a real life—and an engaged student was particularly helpful to Brittany, as she began attending classes at Park’s Victor Valley Campus Center in 2016. Her determination and personal support system, along with an encouraging University environment, helped her to gain momentum and confidence.

“Park’s faculty and staff work hard to ensure that adult learners have the tools they need to succeed. Jo Lewke, my student success coach, helped me sort through class scheduling and so much more. She has always focused on finding solutions to anything that presented a challenge. I have felt supported from day one.”

Message for the masses
Every person has a story, Brittany believes, and sometimes, certain elements of those stories instill fear and create reasons to stop pursuing goals before you start.

“I know that some people are afraid to go back to finish college, or they’re too intimidated to begin. I want everyone with doubts to know that they shouldn’t be afraid of higher education. It’s challenging—you have to commit to the learning process and do the work—but it isn’t impossible. In fact, it’s very manageable if you stay focused and remain determined to finish. No matter how long it takes…one small step at a time is still one step closer to graduation.”

It’s possible, Brittany says, even though life will continue to happen:

“During my bachelor program at Park, I have changed jobs, moved to a different state … once, I lost my homework when my computer crashed so I scrambled to finish an assignment on my phone,” Brittany said. “When you’re determined, there are no excuses. You can’t let anything stop you.”

After graduating from Park, Brittany will pursue her master’s degree and plans to open her own marriage and family therapy practice in the future.

Left photo: Brittany, in cap and gown, celebrates preschool graduation with proud mom Heather. Right photo: Brittany, Heather and another red carnation at Park’s 2019 Fall Commencement ceremony.

In the meantime, she is excited to celebrate earning her first higher education degree with those who have encouraged her to keep pressing forward: her husband, her grandparents, her aunt, her Park supporters … and of course her mom—who is undoubtedly proud of the latest ‘fish’ that Brittany has reeled in.

Ask an Exec: Dave Whittaker

by Bridget Locke, director of strategic communications

Editor’s note: You know their names and titles … but do you know what makes them tick? Check this space often during the Fall 2019 semester to learn more about Park University’s executive team.

Dave Whittaker joined Park University in January 2016 as chief information officer. In this role, Dave oversees technology applications, networks, telecommunications and data security.

In the following Q & A with the Office of University Engagement, Dave discusses the brain’s response to higher education, his grandfather’s influence on keeping an open mind, crash courses in stick shift driving and the panic that ensues with large-scale thrift store donations.

University Engagement: What is your higher ed story? What kind of student were you? How has education transformed your life?

Dave Whittaker: I was a terrible student in high school; I was just never very interested in studying. I preferred to hang out with my friends and spend time at debate tournaments, reading books or programming on my old TRS-80 Color Computer. In 1986, once all of my friends left home to study out-of-state, I enrolled in community college. I enjoyed history and signed up to take Western civilization with John Stockmeyer, an amazing instructor who took a real interest in his students. He let me know that I could actually do this whole academic thing pretty well, so I finally took to studying and began to succeed in college.

UE: How did your college experience impact you as a leader?
DW: As my staff will tell you, I am a huge proponent of continuing education. I ask my team to finish their undergraduate degrees if they haven’t yet and encourage them to get their graduate degrees, too. I believe if you are taking classes, you are a better employee; more engaged and intellectually sharper. There is just something about how the brain responds to the discipline of education that makes you better at everything you do.

UE: What is your favorite part of being a leader at Park?
DW: I am blessed to have an excellent team in Information Technology Services. The absolute best part about being a member of the executive team at Park University is sitting on stage and watching each student graduate, clapping for each and every one, and knowing that in some way, we impacted their experience and helped them become successful!

UE: What are you reading?
DW: I am constantly reading something. My family always gives me books from my wish list, and I have two full bookcases in my queue next to my bed. I love 1930s pulp horror and science fiction, so I often re-read H.P. Lovecraft, Robert E. Howard and Clark Ashton Smith. [Park University Chief Human Resources Officer] Roger Dusing is great at providing the executive team with good leadership books to help us think differently and improve personally and professionally, so I usually have a Patrick Lencioni book open, as well. I can only imagine the panic that will ensue at the thrift store someday when my kids back up a moving truck full of hundred-year-old books.

UE: Describe your first car.
DW: My first car was a 1981 blue Chevy Chevette that I bought in 1985 for $500. At the time, I was a delivery driver for Godfather’s Pizza at Northeast 72nd Street and North Oak Trafficway in Gladstone, Mo., and had to learn to drive a manual transmission just a few hours before my shift started. For those of you behind me on the hill on 72nd Street in 1985, I apologize…

An open mind under a great head of hair: Dave as a high school senior, perfecting his look.

UE: What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received and how did you apply it? Similarly, if you could advise your 21-year-old self, what would you say?

DW: I remember talking with my grandfather when I was around 20 years old. I commented on a social topic, to which he replied, “Boy, you have to learn to keep an open mind.” Granddad was a Marine in WWII who served in the Pacific and the occupation of Nagasaki right after the war ended, and he was a mathematical genius. I admired him more than anyone on the planet. I took his words to heart and have tried to understand other people’s perspectives and be respectful of those whom I don’t always understand. If I could talk to 21-year-old me, I would simply say, “Be nice to people and keep an open mind. You aren’t smarter than anyone else.” I still have a long way to go, but I’m better at this now than I was before!

Ask an Exec: Brian Bode

by Bridget Locke, Director of Strategic Communications, October 2019

Brian Bode joined Park University in August 2015 and currently oversees the University’s facilities and administrative operations across Park’s 42 campuses nationwide. His responsibilities include leadership over Park’s deferred maintenance and master plan, as well as construction of the Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center on the University’s Parkville Campus.

In the following Q & A with The Office of University Engagement, Brian talks about his evolving role at Park, the honor of serving those who serve our country and dining with outlaws.

University Engagement: What led you to this role?
Brian Bode: While in the Army, I was assigned to the academic side of the United States Military Academy at West Point. My job was to secure and manage funding for the academic programs for the cadets. It was a great experience and made me want to find academic institutions to work for. I typically sought out CFO jobs, but my role at Park has evolved into my current position: overseeing facilities across the network.

UE: Describe a day in the life of a VP of Facilities at Park University.
BB: The exciting part of my job is that I don’t always know what a day is going to bring. The Plaster Center build will be great challenge and a lot of fun. I love construction time. Finding ways to improve our campus center locations is exciting as well. I expect to be very busy in the coming months and will learn even more about the nuances of commercial property real estate.

Father and son: Mr. Bob Bode (l), and son Brian (r), in 1977.

UE: What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received and how did you apply it? Similarly, if you could advise your 21-year-old self, what would you say?
BB: My dad told me to always look in the mirror and make sure I was proud of and approved of the man looking back. It hasn’t always worked, and I regret the days when I fall short, but it is sobering every day to judge yourself against the man in the mirror.

UE: Speaking of your younger self, what fashion trend did you embrace in the past that embarrasses you now?
BB: None embarrass me. From white suits … to long hair … to a permanent for an Afro … it was what the early 70s asked for. Well, maybe those striped red, yellow and black bell bottoms were questionable in hindsight, but they were cool at the time.

UE: Describe your first car.
BB: A 1953 Chevy, 4-door sedan, three-speed on the column, painted royal blue. I bought it from my grandpa for $150. It was a great car until I let the oil get a little low; I blew a valve, threw a lifter, burned a piston and ruined the engine. I wasn’t very mechanical.

UE: Why Park University?
BB: Park serves those who serve. I love that. Working at Park gives me a chance to support those who served after me in the military. It’s an honor to do so.

A young Brian, giving the “original outlaws” a run for their money.

UE: If you could have a dinner party with anyone in history, with whom would you dine and why?
BB: This one is tough. I could say Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson — the “original outlaws” of country music — but my emotional side says Mom and Dad. They are both gone and I can’t remember the last dinner when both were healthy enough to really be a part of it. I miss them.

Ask an Exec: Shane Smeed

by Bridget Locke, Director of Strategic Communications, October 2019

Shane B. Smeed, who joined Park University in 2015, serves as vice president and chief operating officer. He provides strategic and operational leadership to a department that includes associate vice presidents, deans, directors and more. Shane oversees enrollment services, marketing, student affairs, campus center operations, athletics and strategic initiatives.

In the following Q&A with the Office of University Engagement, Shane discusses the Smeed family’s non-negotiable, the advantage of early adoption and a hoopty’s saving grace.

University Engagement: What is your higher ed story? How has education transformed your life?
Shane Smeed: My father worked in higher education his entire career, so obtaining a university degree was often discussed and non-negotiable in the Smeed family growing up. My father started his career teaching, transitioned to administration, then finished as a teacher. Like my father, I too see higher education as a calling. I love serving students and attempt to inspire them to help change a generation’s outlook on learning. My wife and I both have a love of learning so we hope we can also instill this into the hearts of our three children.

UE: What kind of child were you? Well-behaved or a little ornery?

A young Shane Smeed, headed to Grandma’s. Mom warned him …

SS: I managed to behave most of the time, but my mom occasionally threatened to mail me to my grandma’s house if I didn’t behave.

UE: Why Park University?
SS: I feel incredibly fortunate to work at Park University! It is a unique, one-of-a-kind university which supports 16,000+ students at 42 different locations. In my 20+ years in higher education, I’ve never seen nor worked alongside a more dedicated group of faculty and staff committed to serving both traditional and adult learners!

UE: What fashion trend did you embrace in the past that embarrasses you now?
SS: There have been so many…from pegged jeans, to mullet haircuts, or maybe my favorite jean jacket with the Prince/Purple Rain iron-on patch covering the entire back.

UE: Describe your first car.
SS: I had an old burgundy Datsun that I bought for $850 while saving money by washing dishes at Tippin’s Restaurant. It was a total clunker but it had boxed speakers with an amplifier in the trunk that would make any teenage boy proud of his hoopty!

UE: What are the higher ed trends that you want to be sure Park faculty and staff know about?
SS: Our synchronously offered “Pirate Patch” courses are allowing students the opportunity to take real-time classes that may have previously been offered only in an asynchronous, online environment. As one of the early adopters using this technology, other colleges and universities will now attempt to replicate in order to meet the needs of deserving students everywhere.

Ask an Exec: Roger Dusing, Ph.D.

by Bridget Locke, Director of Strategic Communications, October 2019

Roger Dusing, Ph.D., serves as chief human resources officer at Park University. He directs human resources and payroll operations for the University and serves as Park’s Title IX officer.

In the following Q&A with the Office of University Engagement, Roger reflects on his road to HR, the power of making people better and the importance of a good pair of bell bottoms.

University Engagement: Describe a day in the life of a Chief Human Resources Officer at Park University.
Roger Dusing: Hectic, always varying and rarely what I planned. I tell people that the main reason I like HR is that I never cease to be amazed at what people do. Rarely can I predict what’s going to happen on any given day or in any given situation. I spend a lot of time in meetings and a lot of time standing in front of my computer trying to keep up with email, special projects, and multiple responsibilities.

UE: What surprises you about this role?
RD: I’ve been a CHRO in one form or another for over 30 years, so there isn’t much that surprises me. I enjoy the work and I love Park.

UE: What led you to this career? Is this what you wanted to be when you grew up?
RD: Until I graduated college, I had never heard of personnel or human resources. I started my career as an industrial engineer for a large area bank. I was able to work on some projects with the personnel department, including designing a performance review system and facilitating a large suggestion system. Then I got laid off (for the first of seven times) and found a new job in HR. I’ve pretty much been here ever since.

UE: Why Park University?
RD: It’s a family thing. Plus, we get the chance to transform lives. To have a “product” that lasts forever … to work with people who aren’t making widgets but are making people better and more capable than they were before–it’s very powerful.

Roger in the 70s: high school drum major. Hair model.

UE: What fashion trend did you embrace in the past that embarrasses you now?
RD: Back in the ‘70s, it was all about the hair and bell bottoms. I sported both quite nicely.

UE: What are you reading?
RD: I read a lot and alternate between crime fiction (I enjoy Lee Child, John Sandford, Steve Martini, John Grisham, etc.), history/biography (I’m currently working on a book about the first months of WWI), and business/leadership books (most recently, I read Bucket Heads and The Leadership Quotient).

UE: Finish this sentence: people who don’t know me well would be surprised to know that I am …
RD: … really enjoying learning to make pens and being creative with small pieces of wood.

Service, Education, Progress: Strong Signs of a Thriving PBL

by Annali Dolman, University Engagement Coordinator, September 2019

Park University English and Secondary Education major Jocelyn Clayton saw the sign.

Literally.

During the 2017 Activities Fair held at the beginning of her freshman year at Park University, Jocelyn noticed a message posted at the table where Dr. Donna Ehrlich, Associate Professor of Computer Information Systems, and fellow classmate Sam Culver sat.

“The sign at their table read that they were interested in starting a PBL chapter at Park,” Jocelyn recalled. “I stopped by and expressed interest, so Sam and I decided to work together to create it.”

“PBL,” or more specifically, Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda, Inc., is an organization that Jocelyn already knew quite a bit about. She first became involved with FBLA-PBL as a high school student in Burlington Junction, Mo.

As the largest career student business organization in the world, FBLA-PBL helps over 230,000 middle school to professional-aged members prepare for careers and leadership experiences every year. The organization offers leadership coaching, academic competitions, educational programs, community service opportunities, and awards and recognition programs.

Although getting the chapter started at Park wasn’t exactly a simple process in the beginning (“We had to jump through a few hoops,” Jocelyn recalls), Park’s FBLA-PBL chapter has seen a great deal of success in a short amount of time. During their first year, membership grew to nine members, and seven of those members who participated in FBLA-PBL academic competitions qualified for nationals. The team came home with five trophies and scholarship awards.

During their second year, membership grew to 13 members. Nine of Park’s FBLA-PBL chapter members qualified for the National Leadership Conference in San Antonio, Texas. Seven of the nine qualifiers, Kylee Carpenter, Jocelyn Clayton, Samuel Culver, Henry Franklin, DaniGrace Greenway, Jacob Gray, and Austin Spoor, traveled with Rose Hochstatter, Park University Assistant Director of Operations for the College of Management Graduate Programs to compete. All of Park’s members qualified for finals in at least one of their events and received nine trophies and $1,100 in scholarships from national sponsors in 2019.

Jocelyn has also made some extraordinary headway of her own within the organization. In January 2018, she was elected 2018-2019 Missouri State Secretary for PBL—and in April 2019, was elected the 2019-2020 Missouri State President. In her current role, Jocelyn manages four state officers, and ensures that all duties and goals are fulfilled by their leadership team. She coordinates monthly video meetings and in-person collaboration sessions, and reaches out to four state chapters per month to support recruiting, networking, leadership development, and volunteer opportunities. Jocelyn also coordinates the attendance of state officers at multiple conferences throughout the academic year. She will serve on the FBLA-PBL Board of Directors for this academic year and next.

Although she is making impressive strides at the state level, Jocelyn remains especially proud of the chapter at Park U. Park’s chapter is a representative cross-section of students, whose fields of study include business (undergraduate- and graduate-level), history, biology and graphic design. Their club’s diversity is important to Jocelyn because the organization has value for everyone.

“We are considered a business organization, but I like to portray PBL as a leadership organization,” Jocelyn said. “The values we hold are necessary for all majors. All college graduates need people skills, public speaking skills, and the other soft skills that are developed through participation in PBL programs.”

This year, the national organization has set a goal of 2020 new members in 2020. To contribute to the national goal, Park’s chapter will continue recruiting by visiting freshman LE100 classes and business classes. Jocelyn believes Park’s chapter will continue to grow in membership numbers, as well as in achievement and recognition at the national level.

And, if past performance is an indication of future trends, all signs look promising.

Are you a current student interested in learning more about Phi Beta Lambda, or other student clubs at Park U? Visit crew.park.edu to learn more!