The Kansas City Chiefs announced today that the club has signed a partnership agreement with Park University that will make the local 143-year old institution the club's first-ever Official Higher Education Partner.
"We are very excited to announce this partnership with Park University," Chiefs President Mark Donovan said. "In addition to being able to offer a valuable benefit to our Chiefs employees, we are especially excited to support and enhance Park University's commitment to our military."
Through the partnership, Chiefs employees will be offered a Tuition Assistance Program. Any eligible Chiefs employee, coach, or player will be qualified to receive reimbursement per any 12-month period for tuition while enrolled at Park University. The new partnership will offer students of Park numerous professional development opportunities, as executive members of the Chiefs organization will visit the campus for speaking engagements each quarter.
As part of the partnership, Park will become the presenting partner of the Chiefs Seasonal Assistant Program. The club will work with Park to create new concepts to further the program at the organization while giving Park students the opportunity to interview for positions in the Seasonal Assistant Program.
Park University has a long-standing tradition of honoring military members and supporting veterans. The university has 33 campuses on military installations throughout the country. Park will be this year's presenting partner at the Chiefs Draft Day III Event. This will be the third-year that the event will be hosted at a military base, and the first at Fort Riley. In addition, the Chiefs will recognize a Park student or graduate that is a veteran during the club's annual Salute to Service game this season.
"I believe that Park University's partnership with the Kansas City Chiefs will help increase public awareness of the University's academic programs," Park University's Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Shane Smeed said. "We also look forward to Park students having opportunities to be involved with one of the most successful professional sports franchises in the country."
Founded in 1875 in Parkville, Missouri, Park University is a nonprofit, private institution that is a national leader in higher education. In 2000, Park achieved university status and currently serves 16,500 students annually at 41 campuses in 22 states, including Parkville, Independence, and Kansas City, Missouri, and Lenexa, Kansas, as well as an extensive online program. The University also serves the nation's armed forces with 33 campuses on military installations across the country. Park University's degree programs are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information about Park University, visit www.park.edu.
