Missouri Biotechnology Association Board of Directors - 2011

Robert Vartabedian

Dr. Bob Vartabedian is currently president of Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Since his arrival at Missouri Western in 2008, Vartabedian has provided oversight for the completion of three major construction projects resulting in 120,000 square feet of new or renovated math-science space, 118,000 square feet for an indoor sports complex that is the summer training camp for the Kansas City Chiefs, and a new residence hall currently under construction. Some of Vartabedian's other initiatives include increased internationalization of his campus, growth in graduate and distance education, further development of the fine arts areas, and campus beautification.

Although Vartabedian has been in higher education administration for many years, he is by training a speech communication professor and has taught, written, and consulted extensively in that area.  He has won numerous teaching awards.  His four-part series on public speaking recently aired on local PBS stations throughout the United States.

His previous higher education administrative experience includes service as vice president for Academic Affairs at Eastern New Mexico University, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Western Carolina University, head of the Department of Art, Communication and Theatre at West Texas A&M University, and assistant dean of Graduate Studies at Wichita State University.

Bob Vartabedian graduated from California State University, Fresno in 1974 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communication.  He has an M.A. in Speech Communication from Wichita State University and a Ph.D. in Communication from the University of Oklahoma.

He was recently honored as one of 100 distinguished alumni of California State University, Fresno, as part of the university’s centennial celebration held in October, 2010. He is listed among other notables such as former Treasury Secretary Paul O’Neill, movie director Sam Peckinpah, Super Bowl-winning quarterback Trent Dilfer, NCAA champion basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian and many others.

www.missouriwestern.edu