Ann Pearce, special assistant to the president at Missouri Western State University, has announced that she will retire effective June 2.
“In her time at Missouri Western, Ann has made a very positive impact on both our university and our community,” said Dr. Robert Vartabedian, Missouri Western’s president. “She has made many significant contributions not only in furthering our legislative agenda but in numerous other ways, including her excellent oversight of our recent comprehensive university master planning process.”
“It’s been an honor to be a part of the Missouri Western family,” Pearce said. “Even in challenging times, the university continues to find ways to improve, prosper and give back to the community and state. I’m particularly impressed with the university’s faculty and staff who go above and beyond what is expected to ensure student success, a beautiful physical campus, and sound administration and fiscal management.”
Pearce is looking forward to spending time with her husband at their country home near Warrensburg, Missouri, but will miss St. Joseph.
“St. Joseph is a very welcoming community,” she said. “I’ve had the pleasure to work with many people throughout the city, and I’m always impressed with how open and caring everyone is. Whether it’s state and city officials, civic leaders, or simply next-door neighbors, it seems everyone is working toward what is best for St. Joseph and its citizens.”
Pearce joined Missouri Western in January 2012. As special assistant to the president, she served on President Vartabedian’s cabinet and was responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships with local, state and federal government decision-makers.
In addition to her work chairing the master plan steering committee, Pearce has chaired high-profile search committees and served on committees that planned and implemented Kelley Commons and the Walter Cronkite Memorial. Regionally, she has served on the Great Northwest Days Steering Committee and chaired the Priorities Committee last year.
Major legislative milestones have included the adoption of a bill allowing the university to enter into long-term land leases and this week’s adoption of a maintenance and repair bonding bill, which includes $4.8 million for Missouri Western.
Pearce worked for her alma mater, the University of Central Missouri, for 25 years, starting in the office of public relations and serving the last seven years of her tenure as the president’s chief of staff. She has also worked in both the print and broadcast media, as well as the photography industry. Pearce earned her Bachelor of Science degree in mass communication/broadcasting and film from UCM.
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.