SHANE B. SMEED
President
(816) 584-6205
shane.smeed@park.edu
Shane B. Smeed was appointed president effective January 2022, having been interim president since December 2020. Before his recent appointment, Smeed served as Park鈥檚 vice president and chief operating officer. In that role, Smeed provided strategic and tactical leadership to more than half of the University’s staff in the areas of enrollment management, student success, financial aid services, marketing, student engagement, athletics and campus center operations. In addition, he was responsible for approximately 16,000 students annually, including 10,000 active duty, National Guard, reserve, veteran and military family member students.
The son of a university administrator, Smeed always knew he wanted to work in higher education. Smeed came to 海角乱伦社区 in 2015, attracted by the diversity of its student body and its Kansas City metropolitan area location. When he first stepped foot on the picturesque flagship Parkville (Mo.) Campus, he stood next to historic Mackay Hall and looked over the campus and the city. Instantly, he knew Park would become his professional home.
Smeed maintains a strong commitment to a “Park United” and leading a University that celebrates diversity, serves a growing student body and earns recognition from its faculty and staff as an employer of choice. Smeed believes that Park’s motto, Fides et Labor (Latin for faith and work), can inspire students, faculty and staff to achieve all their goals.
Smeed has more than 20 years of progressive experience in higher education. Smeed earned a Master of Arts degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration from Saint Louis University and a Master of Business degree from Keller Graduate School of Management.
Smeed has played a volunteer leadership role with several Kansas City area organizations. He currently serves on the board of directors of the Kansas City Area Development Council and the Command and General Staff College Foundation. He previously served as an appointed planning and zoning commissioner for the City of Parkville. Smeed and his wife, Angela, have three children: Samantha, 22, Andrew, 19, and Landon, 15.
Yira Brimage
Park Gilbert, Vice President
(480) 923-0029
yira.brimage@park.edu
Yira Brimage was appointed vice president of 海角乱伦社区鈥檚 Gilbert Campus in November 2021. In her role as vice president, Brimage holds the top leadership position for the University鈥檚 Gilbert Campus and is responsible for leading the strategic growth and operations of the campus. Most recently, Brimage has been the principal and owner of Brimage Consulting in Tucson, Ariz., which specializes in working with educational, health care and small businesses to prepare their workforces with competency-based skill development.
Brimage is not a stranger to higher education in Arizona. For nearly four years (August 2014 to June 2018) she served as vice president of student affairs and engagement at Pima Community College鈥檚 downtown campus in Tucson. She also served a variety of roles with Maricopa Community Colleges for 14 years, including vice president of student affairs at Phoenix College from 2010-14, and associate dean of enrollment services (2000-05), dean of student affairs (2005-09) and acting vice president of student affairs (2009-10) at Scottsdale Community College. Brimage began her career in higher education at Arizona State University, serving nine years in undergraduate admissions for various campuses, as well as in student affairs for the ASU East (now Polytechnic) Campus.
Brimage is working to earn her Doctorate of Education degree in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University (expected to graduate in Spring 2022), following the completion and successful defense of her dissertation on 鈥淟atina Leadership in Community College.鈥� She earned a Master of Education degree in educational leadership and policy studies from NAU and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish and communications from ASU.
LAURE A. CHRISTENSEN
Chief of Staff
(816) 584-6810
laure.christensen@park.edu
Laure Christensen serves 海角乱伦社区 as chief of staff. In this capacity, she works closely with the president in a variety of ways, serving as an advisor and manager of administrative, operational and financial affairs. Christensen oversees reporting needs, organizes communications, coordinates special events with other departments and serves as the main administrative liaison between the Office of the President and multiple areas, including Executive Staff and Park鈥檚 Board of Trustees. Christensen also guides administrative professionals university-wide through the Park Pirate Professionals.
Christensen began her career with Park in July 2003 and served in a variety of roles in the School for Arts and Humanities, the Office of Academic Affairs and the Office of the President. In 2011, she was honored with the Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Education award.
Prior to coming to Park, she served as office manager and an events specialist at Vic Gutman & Associates, a special events firm which coordinates special events for the city of Omaha and area not-for-profit organizations.
Donald Chrusciel, Ph.D.
Vice President of Finance and Administration
(816) 584-6317
donald.chrusciel@park.edu
Don Chrusciel was appointed as vice president of finance and administration in August 2023.
In his role as VPFA, Chrusciel oversees the financial, accounting and administrative operations of the University, including strategic delivery. He is responsible for all fiscal services, including financial systems, reporting and controls, as well as fiscal policies and regulations. In addition, Chrusciel is responsible for ensuring the University has requisite financial resources, including cash management and borrowing agreements. Furthermore, Chrusciel is responsible for oversight of the Office of Human Resources, Office of Information Technology Services and Office of Facilities.
Chrusciel joined 海角乱伦社区 after having served as vice chancellor of financial and administrative services with the Kansas City region鈥檚 Metropolitan Community College system since June 2018.
He has spent his entire professional career in higher education, including recent stints as vice president of finance and administrative services at Bakersfield (Calif.) College within the Kern (County, Calif.) Community College District and as vice president for administration and finance at the University of Central Oklahoma. Chrusciel also spent 14陆 years as the business services director of facilities planning and management at Iowa State University in Ames. In addition, Chrusciel held various roles at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and the University of California, Berkeley.
Chrusciel earned his doctorate degree in industrial education and technology from ISU. He also earned a Master of Science degree in management information systems/operations management from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, a Master of Business Administration degree from California State University, Hayward (now CSU, East Bay), and a Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry from Michigan State University.
Gayle Copeland, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Education and Health Professions
(816) 584-6244
gayle.copeland@park.edu
Gayle Copeland was appointed as dean of the College of Education and Health Professions in August 2023. Copeland is responsible for the curricular, personnel, budgetary and administrative affairs of the CEHP in alignment with the University鈥檚 mission and strategic priorities.
Copeland, who has spent most of her career in higher education, came to 海角乱伦社区 from Fresno Pacific University where she served as provost and senior vice president of academic affairs since 2018. Previously, Copeland spent five years at Simpson University where she was the provost. Copeland was also a professor and education department chair for 10 years at Geneva College. In addition, she has taught at the University of Kansas, Baylor University and Alliant International University. Copeland also has experience as a K-12 administrator and teacher in California.
Copeland earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in educational policy and leadership, and a Master of Arts degree in history from the University of Kansas. She also earned a Master of Arts degree in education administration and supervision from California State University, Fresno (also known as Fresno State University), and a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Geneva College.
Melissa Ford
Chief Advancement Officer
(816) 584-2135
melissa.ford@park.edu
Melissa Ford was appointed as 海角乱伦社区’s chief advancement officer in December 2023. In her role as CAO, Ford is charged with developing and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies that support the University鈥檚 mission and goals. She is responsible for growing the advancement program through annual giving, alumni relations, corporate and foundation relations, capital campaigns, major gifts, planned giving, stewardship, advancement services and special events. Ford also works with the University鈥檚 Board of Trustees and the 海角乱伦社区 International Center for Music Foundation Board to further strengthen philanthropic support in support of faculty and student endeavors with an established, successful advancement team.
Ford joined 海角乱伦社区 as its associate vice president for advancement after coming from the University of Missouri 鈥� Kansas City where she served as director of philanthropic giving for the School of Science and Engineering since 2021. Ford has nearly two decades of experience fundraising for Kansas City nonprofits, including the Kansas City Ballet, Girl Scouts of NE Kansas and NW Missouri, and United WE. In addition, Ford served as executive director for the Greater Kansas City Chapter of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America for more than five years.
Ford earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in dance performance from Oklahoma City University. A committed community volunteer, Ford serves as a Girl Scouts troop leader, is a member of the Kansas City Young Matrons and the Kansas City Ballet Guild鈥檚 Board of Directors, serving as its president in 2022-23.
Michelle Myers, Ed.D.
Provost
(816) 584-6445
michelle.myers@park.edu
Michelle (Shellie) Myers, Ed.D., was appointed provost of 海角乱伦社区 in October 2018. She had served as dean of the University鈥檚 College of Education and Health Professions since joining Park in July 2010.
Prior to joining Park, Myers served administrative stints as associate dean, assistant dean and acting assistant dean in the Division of Education at Queens College, the City University of New York, as well as interim associate dean of the College of Education and Human Services at the University of Central Missouri. In addition, she served as an assistant professor, then associate professor at UCM, and as assistant professor at Southeast Missouri State University. During her time at QC-CUNY, Myers served as coordinator of the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education. Myers earned her Doctor of Education degree in curriculum and pedagogy, and her Master of Education degree in teaching physical education, from the University of Arkansas. She received her bachelor鈥檚 degree in psychology from Western Kentucky University.
James Pasley, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
(816) 584-6480
james.pasley@park.edu
James Pasley was appointed dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in May 2017 after having served in an interim role since August 2016. In this position, Pasley oversees innovative programs in the fine arts, the humanities, and the natural, applied and social sciences. Schools within CLAS include the Hauptmann School of Public Affairs, the School of Humanities and the School of Natural and Applied Sciences.
Pasley joined Park in August 2006 as an associate professor of political science and was promoted to professor of political science in 2013, a rank he continues to hold. During his years on Park鈥檚 faculty, he also held roles as an associate dean of the Hauptmann School of Public Affairs, chair of the Department of History and Political Science and program coordinator for political science. Prior to arriving at Park, Pasley held faculty positions at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma and St. Leo University.
Pasley earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree in political science from Louisiana State University. He also earned a Master of Science degree in defense and strategic studies from Missouri State University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Southwestern University. Pasley鈥檚 research has been published in peer-reviewed publications such as Journal of International and Area Studies, Social Science Perspectives Journal and the White House Studies Journal. His academic background and research also led to an invitation by the U.S. Army to serve as an analyst and role player at Fort Leavenworth鈥檚 Mission Command Battle Lab.
Emily D. Sallee, Ph.D.
Vice Provost and Professor of English
(816) 584-6779
emily.sallee@park.edu
Emily D. Sallee, Ph.D., is vice provost and a professor of English at 海角乱伦社区. Sallee joined the University as a faculty member in 2005.
Sallee has held a variety of leadership positions at the University, including dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, chair of the Department of English and Modern Languages, program coordinator for First-Year Writing and director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. She was appointed associate provost in 2016 and vice provost in 2022.
Sallee leads initiatives related to faculty development and support, curriculum, and accreditation. These initiatives include faculty orientation and mentoring, professional development for full-time and adjunct faculty, and faculty-related policies and procedures. Sallee also serves as the University鈥檚 Higher Learning Commission accreditation liaison officer.
Prior to arriving at Park, Sallee worked in the writing across the curriculum program at the University of Kansas where she also taught courses in first-year writing and technical communication. She earned a doctoral degree in rhetoric and writing and a Master of Arts degree in language and literature from the University of Kansas. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English and secondary education from William Jewell College.
Andrew Shoffner, Ph.D.
Vice President for Strategic Initiatives
(816) 584-2190
andrew.shoffner@park.edu
Andrew Shoffner, Ph.D., was appointed vice president for strategic initiatives in February 2023. As VPSI, Dr. Shoffner synchronizes and coordinates efforts across University departments and the administration. He oversees and guides critical strategic initiatives, ensuring they align with the University鈥檚 goals and contribute to its overall success. Prior to arriving at Park, he had an illustrious career as a United States Army officer and civilian leader. In his most recent position as director of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College鈥檚 Department of Command and Leadership, he served as an assistant professor, leading a team of 35 civilian and military faculty members who develop and deliver command and leadership education for the CGSC curriculum. In a previous role as Fort Leavenworth鈥檚 garrison commander, Dr. Shoffner led and managed more than 700 employees and stewarded a $65M annual budget.
Dr. Shoffner earned his doctorate degree in adult learning and leadership from Kansas State University, Master of Military Art and Science degrees in strategic studies and operational planning from the U.S. Army School of Advanced Military Studies, a Master of Military Art and Science degree in military history from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and a Bachelor of Science degree in history from the United States Military Academy.
Yang Sun, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Management
(816) 584-6568
yang.sun@park.edu
Yang Sun was appointed as dean of the College of Management in August 2023. Sun is the chief administrative, fiscal and academic officer of the College, and is responsible for implementing the College of Management鈥檚 policies and procedures in concert with the University鈥檚 policies, as well as the strategic, programmatic, financial and management operations that support the mission of the College and its role within the University. The College of Management includes the Robert W. Plaster School of Business.
Sun joined 海角乱伦社区 from California Northstate University, where he served as associate dean for academic affairs within its College of Graduate Studies, and as professor of healthcare administration since 2020. He also held a role as the Student and Exchange Visitor Program designated school official for international student services. Prior to CNU, Sun spent 13 years as a faculty member at California State University, Sacramento (also known as Sacramento State University), including the last five years as director of the Master of Business Administration for Executives program.
Sun earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in industrial engineering and a Master of Science degree in industrial engineering from Arizona State University and a Bachelor of Engineering degree in automotive engineering from Tsinghua University in China.
Jayme Uden, Ed.D.
Chief Human Resources Officer
(816) 584-6595
jayme.uden@park.edu
Jayme Uden was appointed as the chief human resources officer in March 2024. Uden, who has been with 海角乱伦社区 since July 2011 in a variety of student life positions, oversees human resources strategies covering talent management, employee relations, training and development, performance improvement, compensation and benefits, organizational development, HR information systems and appropriate regulatory compliance. He also serves as the University鈥檚 Title IX officer.
Prior to becoming CHRO, Uden had served Park as its associate vice president and dean of students since December 2016. He also held roles at Park as dean of students, associate dean of students and assistant dean of student life in the previous five years. Prior to joining 海角乱伦社区, Uden was an assistant director for residence life at the University of Kansas from 2006-11 and he was a residence life coordinator at Kansas State University from 2003-06.
Uden earned his Doctor of Education degree in higher education and his Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology, both from the University of Kansas. He also earned a Master of Education degree in higher education from Iowa State University. Uden is also a graduate of the Northland (Kansas City, Mo.) Regional Chamber of Commerce鈥檚 Leadership Northland class of 2013-14.