SHANE B. SMEED
President
(816) 584-6205
shane.smeed@park.edu
@ShaneSmeed
Shane B. Smeed has served as the 18th president of Park University since November 2020. As president, Smeed has championed transformative initiatives that have significantly enhanced the University’s trajectory, ensuring its growth, innovation and commitment to student success. His leadership has consistently emphasized excellence, integrity, inclusivity, global citizenship, civility and respect, core values central to Park University’s mission.
Under Smeed’s leadership, Park University launched the most extensive comprehensive campaign in its history to secure vital resources to advance academic programs, student support and campus infrastructure. Smeed’s achievements include the multiyear implementation of a new enterprise resource planning and student information system which will improve the overall student experience and bring significant operational efficiencies to the institution’s future. Additionally, he helped launch the University’s first junior varsity athletic programs, establish Park’s campus in Gilbert, Ariz., and formed the International Center for Music Foundation. His leadership reflects a commitment to ensuring Park remains a leader in accessible, high-quality higher education.
Smeed has also prioritized communication and collaboration across the University community. He introduced a wide-ranging communication plan designed to foster transparency, engagement and trust among students, faculty, staff and alumni. Recognizing the importance of workforce development, he spearheaded a strategic partnership program, forging alliances with local businesses and organizations to create mutually beneficial collaborations that prepare students for success in the evolving job market.
With more than 25 years of experience in higher education, Smeed brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role. He holds a Master of Arts degree in student personnel administration from Saint Louis University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Keller Graduate School of Management.
Beyond his work at Park University, Smeed is an active contributor to the broader community. He serves on the board of directors for the Kansas City Area Development Council, where he helps drive regional economic development initiatives. He is a member of the executive committee of the Command and General Staff College Foundation and serves as vice president of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Missouri. Smeed is also actively engaged in leadership at his church.
Smeed and his wife, Angela, are proud parents of three children: Samantha, Andrew and Landon. As a family, they are deeply engaged in the Kansas City community, embodying a spirit of service and leadership.