Your Location: Park.edu Home > About Us > Executive Staff
Senior Administrative Staff of the University
Michael Droge, Ph.D. - President(816) 584-6202
A nationally respected participant in higher education, Droge has a distinguished academic career of teaching, research and serving as principle investigator on federally funded programs such as the Multiethnic Biomedical Research Support Program from the National Institutes for Health, the Bridges to the Future Program from the NIH and the McNair Scholars Program from the Department of Education. He has also served as a member of the Neuroscience and Physiology Panel for the Howard Hughes Medical Institute in Washington, D.C., and an ad hoc reviewer for the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, the National Science Foundation, and a journal reviewer for Brain Research and J. Neuroscience. His academic awards include the Beall Memorial Award for Outstanding Dissertation from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, the Mary Mason Lyon Award for Excellence in Scholarship, Teaching and Service, and the President’s Award for Distinguished Service from Texas Woman’s University. Droge received his Bachelor of Arts degree in biology and German from the University of Kansas and he began graduate studies in Germany at the University of Bonn as a Fulbright Scholar. Upon receiving his Master of Science degree from Texas Tech University, Droge went on to earn a Ph.D. in physiology and biophysics from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. He came to Park University with 19 years of experience in higher education as a faculty member and administrator, most recently as a professor of biology and dean of graduate studies and research. Clarinda H. Creighton - Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Services(816) 584-6833
Her professional experience began in the social work and mental health field, shifting to the higher education arena upon completion of her master's degree. She is a skilled workshop facilitator and program presenter, has provided consultative services to higher education institutions, and developed and implemented training programs for staff and non-profit organizations. Prior to coming to Park University, Mrs. Creighton held positions in the Student Services area at Saint Mary's College and at Iowa State University. Creighton received her M.S. in Counselor Education/Student Personnel, and her B.A. in Psychology at Emporia State University. In addition to her professional roles, she has extended her services to community groups and agency boards who are providing services to children, youth and adults in transition. Paul H. Gault - Special Assistant for Administration, and Assistant Secretary/Assistant Treasurer to the Board of Trustees(816) 584-6829
In his current position, Gault serves as an advisor to the President, Vice Presidents, and to members of the University Board of Trustees. He is a staff member on all the standing committees of the Board and serves as Assistant Treasurer and Assistant Secretary for the Board of Trustees and for its two subsidiary corporations, Park McAfee Inc. and Park University Enterprises. Gault is a member of the National Association of College and University Business Officers and the Central Association of that organization. He served as advisor at the U.S. Department of Education's "The Endowment Program Mini-Summit" in March 1996. He received his M.P.A. degree and a B.A. degree from Park University, and attended the College Business Management Institutes at both the University of Nebraska and the University of Kentucky. In addition to his duties at Park, Gault is president of the Hispanic Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City and a member of the Park Hill School District Education Foundation Council. He also serves as treasurer for the Synod of Mid-America of the Presbyterian Church USA, the Church Development Corporation and the Civil War Round Table of Kansas City. Roger Hershey - Vice President and General Counsel, and Assistant Secretary to the Board of Trustees(816) 584-6540
Hershey was a member of the Park University Board of Trustees from 1995 to 2004, serving as Board Chair for two years, a member the Executive Committee, and as Chair of the Business and Endowment Committee. He served as the President of Park University Enterprises, Inc., a subsidiary corporation of the University, and served on its Board of Directors from 2002 to 2006. Hershey received a B.A. from Graceland University, and a LL.M. and a J.D. from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He also graduated from the United States Naval Justice School in Newport, R.I., and served four years active duty as a Lieutenant, Judge Advocate General's Corps, United States Naval Reserve. Hershey received the 2003 Distinguished Citizen Award from the Independence, Missouri. Chamber of Commerce for community service and leadership in the passage of Independence Streets and Parks Sales Taxes in 1997, 1998 and 2003, and the City's Street Excise Tax in 2000. Hershey also received the 2002 Civic Leadership Award presented by the Missouri Municipal League and the mayor of Independence for business and civic leadership in the development of Independence, Mo. An active participant in civic and nonprofit groups, Hershey serves and has served in various leadership roles with the Independence Enhanced Enterprise Zone Board of Directors, the Independence, MO License Surcharge Annual Review Committee, the Parkville, MO Economic Development Committee, the Independence Chamber of Commerce; Independence Citizens for Streets and Parks; Independence Council on Economic Development; Independence Missouri Park Commission; Mid-America Regional Council Metro Green Civic Leadership Board; Rotary International; Scandinavian Association of Greater Kansas City; Sierra Club; The Jackson County Historical Society; and, The Sierra Club Foundation. Laurie D. McCormack - Vice President for University Advancement(816) 584-6210
Prior to arriving at Park, McCormack was the assistant vice chancellor of advancement for development at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. While at UMKC, McCormack directed the University’s first-ever nine-figure capital campaign, raising $202.6 million. In addition, she conducted six- and seven-figure campaign solicitations, including one of $5 million. Prior to her ascent to the assistant vice chancellor position, McCormack also served UMKC as the senior director of campaign planning and principal gifts, managing the development of strategies and delivery of solicitation to major prospects for gifts between $100,000 and $35 million., as well as managing campaign special events and coordinating fundraising for scholarship programs. Additionally at UMKC, McCormack held the titles of director of student affairs advancement, and manager of alumni and development in the School of Law, where she directed the administration of the UMKC Law Foundation, a $2.4 million endowment. McCormack’s career in fundraising began with the Heart of America United Way as the campaign assistant director, where she raised more than $3.8 million through targeted efforts. Prior to her second stint at UMKC, McCormack was the director of marketing and client services at the law firm of Polsinelli, White, Vardeman and Shalton, P.C., in Kansas City, Mo., and she was the manager of community and public relations at Gateway 2000 in Kansas City. While at PWVS, McCormack developed the firm’s marketing initiatives, as well as its advertising and public relations efforts. At Gateway 2000, McCormack managed the company’s marketing and charitable giving programs, in addition to directing its corporate public relations activities employee communication programs and TIF administration. McCormack is or has been a member of several organizations, including the Downtown Council of Kansas City, where she serves on the Business Retention and Attraction Committee, the United Negro College Fund Kansas City Board of Advisors, the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education, and the Safehome Capital Campaign Steering Committee. She is a former president and board of director member of the Southtown Council, and former treasurer and board member of Safehome. McCormack received her bachelor’s degree in communication studies from UMKC. She is also a graduate of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce’s Centurion Leadership Program. In addition, she has been recognized by UMKC as a 2001 Community Champion and with the Law Foundation Service Award. Thomas W. Peterman, Ph.D. - Vice President for Distance Learning(816) 584-6280
Peterman came to the University as director of the Library System in 1990. Previously, he served as Director of the Communications Division of a multi-national organization supervising video production, graphic design and photography. Prior roles include elementary school teacher, public school media specialist, course developer, instructor and administrator. Peterman earned a Master's of Library Science at the University of Missouri, Columbia; a Ph.D. in Instructional Development and Technology from Michigan State University; and an M.A in Classroom Teaching and a B.S. in Elementary Education from Eastern Michigan University. Dorla Watkins - Vice President for Finance and Administration(816) 584-6231
She joined Park University's administrative staff in 1979 as a staff accountant. Her most recent position has been Associate Vice President for Business and Finance. Prior to that Watkins has served as a consultant and controller for the University, as well as serving on the Board of Trustees. She also oversaw the partnership with Xerox Global Services and the document management system at Park as well as served as chair of the strategic plan Explorations and Transformations Committee 2012: Access to Excellence. In her various positions, she has accumulated 20 years of supervisory, management, accounting and consulting experience, including six years as director of Business Affairs for Kromm, Rikimaru & Johansen, Inc. She has acted as a liaison to financial, legal and auditing institutions and negotiated and implemented contractual agreements as well as developing office accounting and policy procedures including overseeing fiscal budgets. Watkins earned both her bachelor's degree in business administration and master's degree in public affairs from Park University. Rita Weighill - Vice President for Communication(816) 584-6211
Before coming to Park University, she was employed at Midwestern Baptist Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri, where she was the Director of Seminary Relations and was responsible for the fundraising and public relations at that master's and doctorate level institution. She received a B.A. from Park University and a M.Ed., Higher Education Administration degree from Vanderbilt University (Peabody College) in Nashville, Tenn. Thimios Zaharopoulos, Ph.D. - Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs(816) 584-6355
Born in Greece, Zaharopoulos immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 13. He earned all of his degrees from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale—a bachelor's degree in both radio-television and cinema & photography; a master’s degree in public visual communication; and a Ph.D. in journalism. Prior to coming to Park, Zaharopoulos was a professor and chair in the Department of Mass Media at Washburn University in Topeka, Kan. He served Pittsburg (Kan.) State University for two stints, from 1985-86 and 1988-1997, as an assistant professor of communication, director of graduate studies in communication and assistant dean of PSU’s College of Arts and Sciences. Zaharopoulos has also been an assistant professor at The American College of Greece in Athens and he was a Fulbright visiting lecturer at Panteion University in Athens. A widely-published author, Zaharopoulos has had two books published—Mass Media in Greece: Power, Politics and Privatization (1993) and Sports and Media (in Greek, 2008). In addition, he has published 11 chapters/articles in books, 19 refereed journal articles, four book reviews and more than 40 conference paper presentations. Zaharopoulos has also been a member of the Editorial Review Board of the Journal of Radio Studies since 1993. Zaharopoulos is actively engaged in community service, serving as president of the Kansas Chapter of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association, and he serves on the Kansas City Ethnic Enrichment Commission. --------------------------------- University Resources |
Michael Droge, Ph.D., was appointed president by the Park University Board of Trustees in 2009. He arrived at Park in September 2002 to serve as the Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs. His role in that position gave him charge of all academic areas of the University, including acting as the liaison between the academic and non-academic components of the University.
Clarinda H. Creighton is Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Services at Park University. She has held various roles since coming to Park University in 1986, formerly serving as Assistant Vice President for Academic Support Services, and as Director of Student Support Services.
Paul H. Gault has the record for longevity among the current administration, having worked at the University (with the exception of two years in the U.S. Army) since earning his undergraduate degree in 1961. He served as Vice President for Business and Finance from 1981 until 2001.
Roger Hershey, 
Laurie D. McCormack began her duties as vice president for university advancement at Park University in January 2008. McCormack has an extensive background in higher education fundraising and advancement, as well as marketing and public relations in the private sector.
Thomas W. Peterman, Ph.D., has served Park University as Vice President for Distance Learning since 1996. The College for Distance Learning (CDL) contains the School for Extended Learning and the School for Online Learning, supporting programs currently offered at 43 campus centers in 21 states and Online. He supervised development and implementation of the University's Online program beginning in 1996. Currently, he is responsible for development, marketing, and promotion of CDL programs.
Dorla Watkins, Vice President of Finance and Administration, supervises all University financial business actions, making necessary decisions for day-to-day operations and for long-range University economic development.
Rita Weighill, Associate Vice President for Communication, has been at Park University since 1995. She is responsible for overseeing the marketing, media, publications and public relations efforts for the University. She is a member of the Greater Kansas City Council on Philanthropy; Association of Fundraising Professionals; Platte County Economic Development Council ( Marketing Committee); Gladstone Rotary (Officer); Riverside Chamber of Commerce, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Platte County Women's Exchange, Parkville Chamber of Commerce; a charter member of the Association for Non-Traditional Students in Higher Education; Clay County Women's Exchange; and The Central Exchange of Greater Kansas City. In 1999, she earned the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) award, a nationally recognized credential for professional fundraisers.
Thimios Zaharopoulos, Ph.D., was appointed Park University’s interim provost and vice president for academic affairs in July 2009. Previously, Zaharopoulos served the University as the dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, a position he held since 2005.