Brandt Shields Named Director of External Relations

Brandt Shields has been named director of external relations at Missouri Western State University. Shields, who is currently entertainment and events supervisor at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri, will begin his duties at Missouri Western Monday, Aug. 3.

“Mr. Shields was born and raised in St. Joseph and has many significant community connections,” said Dr. Robert Vartabedian, Missouri Western’s president. “He has a diverse background combining the arts, business and education. His service as the student governor on the Missouri State University’s Board of Governors familiarized him with higher education governance and the political landscape. I’m very pleased that he will be joining Missouri Western.”

Shields has worked at Silver Dollar City since 2013, after receiving his Master of Business Administration degree from Missouri State University. While in the MBA program, Shields taught at Missouri State, including a semester abroad at the Liaoning Normal University-Missouri State College of International Business in Dalian, China. He was also a summer student intern in Missouri State’s Division of Diversity and Inclusion.

“This is an exciting time to be a part of the Missouri Western community as we celebrate 100 years of transforming lives,” Shields said. “Growing up in St. Joseph, I witnessed first-hand the impact Missouri Western has on our region. I am honored to have the opportunity to return to my hometown and be part of the team helping to shape the future of this great university.”

Shields received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre with High Honors from Missouri State. He served two years as the non-voting student representative on the Missouri State University Board of Governors.

As director of external relations, Shields will serve on President Vartabedian’s Cabinet and will be responsible for building and sustaining strong relationships with local, state and federal decision-makers to advance the university’s strategic goals.

Shields replaces Ann Pearce, who retired June 2 as special assistant to the president.

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.