Richard Gilmore, interim vice president for financial planning and administration at Missouri Western State University, has announced plans to retire from that position effective Jan. 18.
“Rick has been a valued member of Missouri Western’s financial team for more than 26 years, and we appreciate his long and dedicated service,” said Dr. Robert Vartabedian, university president.
Gilmore received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in accounting from Missouri Western and an Executive Master of Business Administration degree from Benedictine College. At Missouri Western, he has served as the director of accounting services, controller and associate vice president for financial planning and administration. He has been interim vice president since June 2012, the third time he has led the division during times of transition.
“Missouri Western has been like a second family to me, and I will especially miss the people,” Gilmore said. “It’s been my honor and pleasure to work with so many talented, dedicated and caring individuals. The staff and faculty are truly the heart of Missouri Western State University.”
Under Gilmore’s leadership, the university had 26 years of clean audit reports with minimal management letter recommendations. In addition, he coordinated the issuance of eight revenue bonds generating approximately $100 million. Those bonds changed the face of Missouri Western by helping to build residence halls, the Commons building, an addition to the Blum Student Union and several athletic and recreational facilities, including the Griffon Indoor Sports Complex and Spring Sports Complex, while saving the university millions of dollars through refinancing.
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.