Dr. Robert Vartabedian, president of Missouri Western State University, has named Richard Gilmore interim vice president for financial planning and administration, effective July 1. Gilmore, an alumnus of Missouri Western, is currently associate vice president for the division.
“In his 26 years at Missouri Western, Rick has earned the respect and trust of his colleagues on campus, and I’m confident he will provide solid leadership during this time of transition,” Dr. Vartabedian said.
Mel Klinkner resigned his position as vice president to take a similar job at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, and will be using some earned vacation time prior to his actual departure Aug. 3. The appointment of Gilmore will provide day-to-day leadership to the division, Dr. Vartabedian said.
Gilmore has 38 years of business experience, including 26 at Missouri Western. He has managed the accounting, budgeting and investing of university funds and played an integral role in seven bond issues generating approximately $83 million for the auxiliary services fund. He previously served as interim vice president in 2002 and 2008. Gilmore received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in accounting from Missouri Western and an Executive Master of Business Administration from Benedictine College.
The vice president for financial planning and administration is the chief business and financial officer for the university and reports directly to President Vartabedian. The division is responsible for accounting, budgeting, student billing and collections, payroll, purchasing, financial aid, physical plant, capital and construction management, security and safety services, human resources, information technology, the bookstore, food service, risk management and other administrative functions.
A national search to fill the vice president position will be chaired by Ann Pearce, special assistant to the president.
Missouri Western State University is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.