An alumnus of Missouri Western State University will serve as the next vice president for university advancement. Jerry Pickman has been named to the post, effective June 1.
“Jerry has earned the respect and trust of his colleagues during his many years at Missouri Western,” said Dr. Robert Vartabedian, Missouri Western’s president. “I know he’ll do an outstanding job in this new role.”
Pickman will oversee advancement activities of the university, including development, alumni services, public relations and marketing, and campus printing and design services. He will serve as a member of the president’s cabinet and as executive director of the MWSU Foundation.
“With both university advancement and the foundation, we have a wonderful opportunity to impact all facets of what happens at Missouri Western,” Pickman said. “I firmly believe Missouri Western makes a positive difference in the lives of our students. I experienced that not only as a student myself, but also more recently as the parent of two Missouri Western alumni. I’m excited about the opportunity to help lead the university forward.”
Pickman began working at Missouri Western in 2004 as director of development. He became associate vice president for university advancement earlier this year, and has served as interim vice president since the resignation of Dr. Jonathan Yordy on April 30. Prior to joining Missouri Western, he was director of development at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kan. from 2001 to 2004. Pickman has also worked at Atchison Products, the Saint Francis Academy in Atchison, and the Atchison Juvenile Correctional Facility.
Pickman graduated from Missouri Western with a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice in 1985. He also received an Executive Master of Business Administration from Benedictine in 2001.
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.
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