Kim Weddle ’00 has been named director of development for Missouri Western State University. Weddle is currently Missouri Western’s executive administrative associate to the president and will begin her new duties Jan. 5, 2015.
“When we began our search to fill this position, we described our ideal candidate as one with fundraising experience, a passion for Missouri Western, knowledge of the local community and a warm personality that easily builds strong relationships,” said Jerry Pickman, vice president for university advancement and executive director of the Missouri Western State University Foundation. “Kim embodies all of those traits, and I couldn’t be more pleased to bring her on board.”
“As an alumna, I know first-hand the power of Missouri Western to transform lives,” Weddle said. “I also know the important role private support plays in enhancing Missouri Western’s impact on students and the region, and I look forward to working with the campus and the community to grow that support.”
As director of development, Weddle will oversee all core development programs, including annual gifts, major gifts, corporate and foundation gifts and planned giving. She will also play a key role in Missouri Western’s Centennial Capital Campaign, which will launch its public phase in early 2015.
Weddle has worked in the president’s office since Feb. 2013, providing administrative support to Dr. Robert Vartabedian, organizing special events, and serving as secretary to the Board of Governors. Previously, she worked nine years as executive administrative associate for university advancement, after two years as a development associate and two years as a development specialist. She received an Outstanding Employee Award in 2009.
Weddle also worked in medical management positions at Occupational Health Services, TriSource HealthCare Inc. and MedClinic.
Weddle has taken coursework at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis and is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. She received her Bachelor of Science in Business from Missouri Western in 2000, with a major in management and an emphasis in human resources.
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.