The Missouri Western State University Board of Governors has approved a five-year contract extension with Dr. Robert Vartabedian, Missouri Western’s president, from July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2018.
“The board is very happy with President Vartabedian’s performance,” said Kylee Strough, chair of the Board of Governors. “Despite many challenges, the university has experienced tremendous growth and success during his time at Missouri Western. We’re delighted that he will be our president for many years to come.”
Dr. Vartabedian became president of Missouri Western in July, 2008. Since then, enrollment has risen 13 percent. Under Dr. Vartabedian’s leadership, the university has completed four major construction projects totaling more than $65 million, become the summer training camp home of the Kansas City Chiefs and formed a unique entrepreneurial education program in partnership with Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.
“I’m gratified by the confidence the Board of Governors has placed in me,” Dr. Vartabedian said. “I said when I came here in 2008 that I would like to make Missouri Western my last professional stop, and this contract extension certainly represents a step toward that. Credit for the success that Missouri Western has enjoyed goes to our dedicated faculty and staff, the students who make the most of the opportunities we provide, the Board for their leadership and the St. Joseph community for their support of their local university. I’m thrilled that I will continue to be a part of the team for at least the next five-and-a-half years, and I hope many more.”
The contract includes a pay adjustment to make the president’s salary more competitive with other university presidents in the state. President Vartabedian and Dr. Laurel Vartabedian have pledged to donate the net increase in salary back to the Missouri Western State University Foundation.
“In addition to Dr. Vartabedian’s superior job performance, we’re concerned that our president’s salary is so far behind other regional universities in the state,” Strough said. “A pay adjustment is definitely needed.”
According to the Missouri Department of Higher Education’s 2012 President’s Chancellor’s Compensation Survey, Dr. Vartabedian’s base salary in fiscal year 2011 was 11th out of 13 public four-year campuses in Missouri, and fourth among five regional universities (Missouri Western, Missouri Southern State University, Northwest Missouri State University, Truman State University and the University of Central Missouri). The board approved an equity adjustment of approximately $26,000 per year, from $189,108 to $215,000, with another salary review scheduled in three years. The average base salary for presidents and chancellors at the 12 public university campuses other than Missouri Western in 2011 was $239,665; the average for the other four regional universities was $212,292.
“I’m extremely grateful to the Board of Governors for their generosity and I certainly recognize that the position should have a more competitive salary. But I’m not comfortable personally gaining during these times of financial difficulties,” Dr. Vartabedian said. “Accordingly, Laurel and I will give the net pay adjustment back to the university for the next three years. We are absolutely committed to Missouri Western and its mission, and we are pleased to be in a position to provide financial support.” The three-year pledge coincides with the midterm salary review stipulated in the new contract.
“I would like to thank Bob and Laurel for their personal commitment to Missouri Western as reflected in this latest gift,” Strough said.
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. Missouri 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.