Speakers say Park is off to a great start
Chadron State College’s new president, Dr. Janie Park, was portrayed as a kind person with a positive attitude, great integrity and plenty of ability during her inauguration Friday evening.
Park became Chadron State’s 10th president eight months ago after serving as provost and academic vice chancellor at Montana State University-Billings for nine years.
Willa Kosman of Scottsbluff, the vice chair of the Board of Trustees of the Nebraska State Colleges and the emcee for the inauguration, said Park has a strong academic background and is the right person to bring people together to accomplish common goals. Kosman said Park has already made a strong impact on the college and the community.
Karissa Johnson of Hershey, a Chadron State senior and president of the Student Senate, said she has worked closely with Park since her arrival on campus and found that the new president “really cares for the students and wants the best for them.”
The mayor of Chadron, Dr. John Gamby, said he has noticed the energy Park has brought to the college and the high level of community involvement the president and her husband Tom have exerted. “We’re glad you’re here. We need you here,” Gamby said.
State Sen. LeRoy Louden of Ellsworth wished Park well and said Chadron State is a “valued partner” in community growth and educational achievement in the 49th District that he serves.
Deena Kennell, president of the CSC Professional Staff, and Elizabeth Ledbetter, president of the Support Staff, said the leadership and guidance Park provides will be invaluable in fulfilling the college’s mission. Ledbetter said actualization of the vision requires a team effort, and used an acronym for team—Together Everyone Accomplishes More.”
“We look forward to being an integral part of your team,” Ledbetter said.
Tammy Calamari, president of the Alumni Board, said she appreciates Park’s enthusiasm for Chadron State and her efforts to become acquainted with CSC graduates across the country.
Dr. Chuck Cressy, president of the Faculty Senate, told Park that her positive attitude, open door policy and kind demeanor are traits the faculty has seen in her and appreciates. He also thanked the president for her support of the recent teacher education and social work re-accreditation processes.
“Faculty colleagues, students, administrators, staff and community people have indicated to me that in only eight months you have effectively enhanced our college environment,” Cressy noted. “You have begun your presidency on a very positive note, and as faculty we look forward to working with you in the future.”
Rick Kolkman of North Platte, president of the Chadron State Foundation board of directors, said he wanted to give Park three bones. They are 1, a backbone to make the tough decisions that leadership requires; 2, a wishbone to have visions and dreams that will take the college to new heights; and 3, a funnybone to help her laugh and make Chadron State an enjoyable place for educating students.
In congratulating Park, Dr. Marshall Hill, executive director of the Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education, said he may want to “borrow the bones” at times.
Loree MacNeill, CSC director of college relations and cultural programs, was the inauguration committee's chairwoman. When speaking during the celebration's dinner, she drew attention to the amount of laughter in the room and credited it to the Parks' personalities.
Dr. Sam Rankin, president emeritus who was inaugurated as the college’s 8th president almost exactly 20 years ago and now is the Board of Trustees professor of history at CSC, closed the inauguration program with an Irish blessing.
“May the road rise to meet you. May the wind always be at your back. May the sun shine warm on your face. May the rain fall on your fields.
“Always remember to forget the troubles that pass this way. Always remember the blessings that come each day.
“May the saddest day of your future be no worse than the happiest day of your past. May you live 100 years, and may you live an extra year to repent. May the Lord keep you in His hand, and never close his fist too tight.”
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Category: Campus News