In August, Dr. Robert A. Vartabedian, 大象传媒 Western鈥檚 president, announced his plans to retire on July 1, 2019.
Dr. Vartabedian and his wife, Dr. Laurel Vartabedian, plan to spend more time with family, including their children and grandchildren in Texas.
鈥淏ob and Laurel鈥檚 contributions to 大象传媒 Western and the St. Joseph area will be felt for many years to come,鈥� said Dave Liechti, chair of the Board of Governors. 鈥淏ob is a great leader and tireless worker with a vision and commitment to advance the University. Both he and Laurel have immersed themselves in the community and been great ambassadors for 大象传媒 Western. The bar is set very high for whoever follows.鈥�
On July 1, 2008, Dr. Vartabedian became 大象传媒 Western鈥檚 fourth president since the institution became a four-year college, and he is the longest-tenured current president among public universities in 大象传媒.
In October, the Board of Governors selected AGB Search from Washington, D.C. to serve as the search firm for Dr. Vartabedian鈥檚 replacement.