s u l y t S e h T
Volume 130
ISSUE
2024-25
#7
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IG: parkstylus stylus@park.edu March 7, 2025
Park University President Smeed announces departure Abby Beagel Editor-in-Chief Park University President Shane Smeed has been appointed the 19th president of Utah Tech University in St. George, Utah, the Utah Board of Higher Education announced Feb. 26. A start date has not been set, and Park University’s Board of Trustees will focus on developing a transition plan. The board’s executive committee is expected to discuss the process during its March
6 meeting, with more information, including plans for an interim president, to follow. Smeed joined Park in September 2015 as vice president of enrollment and student services. He has served as president since November 2020 and was officially named the university’s 18th president in January 2022. During his presidency, Park University launched initiatives focused on student success, enrollment growth, shared governance, and the development of
Orscheln named new Park VP of enrollment and student services Abby Beagel Editor-in-Chief Park University has appointed Paul Orscheln, Ed.D., as vice president of enrollment and student services, effective March 3. In the role, Orscheln will oversee enrollment and student services, international student admissions and services, student financial services, marketing, campus center operations and athletics. He will lead recruitment efforts, help shape university policies and support students from enrollment through graduation. Orscheln has more than 25 years of experience in enrollment management and student services, including 13 years
See Orscheln on page 7
PHOTO COURTESY/ Park University Dr. Paul Orscheln, above, has been named the new vice president of enrollment and student services at Park University.
Vision 2030, a strategic plan guiding the university’s future. In a message to students, faculty and staff, Terry Calaway, Ed.D., chair of the Board of Trustees, thanked Smeed for his leadership and service, adding that Park remains committed to advancing its strategic efforts during the leadership transition.
PHOTO COURTESY/ Park University Shane Smeed, right, is leaving Park University for Utah Tech University.
African voices on Black History Month Zaire Ervin Editor Now that Black History Month has come to a close, there’s one more perspective to hear from — the African perspective. Black History Month often celebrates the history and impact of Black Americans in America, but the African perspective is not always included in the conversation. The origins of Black History Month began in the United States, specifically in Chicago, to celebrate Black historical achievements and pivotal moments in America, such as the civil rights movement, the Emancipation Proclamation and the fight for voting rights. However, celebrating Black History Month by incorporating African history to make historical connections between Africa and Black Americans has become a growing trend. Considering how rich
and vast the continent’s history is, should African history — beyond the slave trade — be incorporated into Black History
See Black History on page 7
In This Issue: Opinion...............2-3 Campus Life.......3-5 Entertainment...5-7 Sports...................8