The Northwest Missouri Press Association presented Dr. Robert Vartabedian, Missouri Western State University’s president, with the James C. Kirkpatrick Award recognizing service to the state of Missouri. The award was presented during the association’s annual meeting at Missouri Western Oct. 19.
“This is one of the highest honors I’ve received in my 40-year career, and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it,” Dr. Vartabedian told the members of the association. “Since I’ve been about eight years old, I’ve read the daily newspaper cover to cover every day of my life. That’s how I function, that’s how much I appreciate what you do. Particularly in the times in which we live, what you’re doing is more important than ever.”
The award is named for a former Missouri Secretary of State who championed open government. The award has been given since 1985, and previous winners include U.S. Senator Thomas Eagleton, U.S. Senator Kit Bond, U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill, Governor Mel Carnahan and State Senator Charlie Shields.
Dr. Vartabedian became president of Missouri Western in 2008. In August, he announced plans to retire July 1, 2019.
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.