Missouri Western State University Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Missouri Western State University has 8 executives leading key functions including administrative operations, financial management, institutional leadership, student engagement, and governance.

Committed to academic excellence and community advancement, Missouri Western State University directs resources to support student success and institutional growth through strategic investment and charitable administration.

Leadership Roles at Missouri Western State University

  • Foundation Director and Chief Financial Officer - Michele Chambers
  • Interim President - Patt Lilly
  • Western Activities Council President - Miller Natalie
  • President - Zachary Workman
  • President - Robert Vartabedian
  • President - Elizabeth Kennedy
  • Chief of Staff - Marian Montiel
  • Board of Governors - Leroy Tieman
  • Michele Chambers - Foundation Director and Chief Financial Officer

    Michele Chambers, the Foundation Director and Chief Financial Officer at Missouri Western State University, manages the financial health and charitable resource allocation for the institution. Chambers oversees the investment portfolios and administrative maintenance of contributed assets to ensure maximum support for university programs. As the Foundation Director and Chief Financial Officer, Michele Chambers directs the fiscal strategy that powers student scholarships and campus development projects. This position requires precise oversight of endowment funds and rigorous adherence to non-profit financial regulations. By optimizing resource distribution, the Foundation Director and Chief Financial Officer secures the long-term sustainability of the university mission. Chambers collaborates with the Board to align financial outcomes with institutional priorities. Through disciplined fiscal management, the Foundation Director and Chief Financial Officer provides the necessary capital to fuel academic innovation and student success across the entire campus community.

    Patt Lilly - Interim President

    Patt Lilly, the Interim President at Missouri Western State University, provides steady leadership during transitional periods to maintain institutional momentum. Lilly directs the university through complex academic and operational landscapes, ensuring that all departments remain focused on student-centered outcomes. As the Interim President, Patt Lilly facilitates communication between the Board of Governors and the faculty to uphold academic standards. This role involves managing external relations and representing the university in regional educational forums. By fostering a culture of accountability, the Interim President supports the ongoing mission of the Foundation to provide accessible, high-quality education. Lilly oversees the implementation of strategic goals while preparing the institution for future growth. Through decisive action and collaborative engagement, the Interim President ensures that the university continues to serve the needs of students and the broader community without interruption or loss of focus.

    Miller Natalie - Western Activities Council President

    Miller Natalie, the Western Activities Council President at Missouri Western State University, architects student engagement initiatives that enrich the campus experience. Natalie directs the planning and execution of diverse events designed to foster community and student development. As the Western Activities Council President, Miller Natalie manages the budget and logistics for extracurricular programming that aligns with the university mission. This leadership role involves coordinating with student organizations to ensure a vibrant and inclusive campus environment. By promoting active participation, the Western Activities Council President enhances the overall student experience and supports retention efforts. Natalie works closely with university administration to ensure that all activities reflect the values and goals of the institution. Through creative programming and effective team management, the Western Activities Council President drives student involvement and contributes to the holistic success of the university population.

    Zachary Workman - President

    Zachary Workman, the President at Missouri Western State University, defines the strategic vision and academic trajectory of the institution. Workman directs all university operations, ensuring that the Foundation resources are effectively utilized to support student success. As the President, Zachary Workman leads the executive team in implementing initiatives that enhance the university reputation and market position. This role involves engaging with regional stakeholders and donors to secure the financial future of the campus. By prioritizing academic innovation and operational efficiency, the President drives the university toward its long-term goals. Workman fosters a culture of excellence that permeates every department, from student services to financial administration. Through visionary leadership and consistent focus on the institutional mission, the President ensures that the university remains a cornerstone of education and community development within the region.
    Zachary Workman

    Robert Vartabedian - President

    Robert Vartabedian, the President at Missouri Western State University, oversees the comprehensive management of university affairs and institutional advancement. Vartabedian architects the academic framework that supports student learning and faculty research. As the President, Robert Vartabedian manages the relationship between the university and the Foundation to ensure that charitable resources are directed toward high-impact projects. This role involves representing the institution in national educational circles and advocating for policies that benefit the student body. By maintaining high standards for governance and academic rigor, the President ensures the university remains competitive. Vartabedian leads the strategic planning process, aligning campus resources with the evolving needs of the workforce. Through dedicated leadership and a commitment to the institutional mission, the President drives the university toward sustained growth and continued excellence in higher education.

    Elizabeth Kennedy - President

    Elizabeth Kennedy, the President at Missouri Western State University, leads the institution through strategic initiatives that promote academic growth and community impact. Kennedy directs the university efforts to align educational programs with regional economic needs. As the President, Elizabeth Kennedy manages the executive leadership team to ensure that all departments operate in harmony with the Foundation mission. This role involves cultivating partnerships with local businesses and educational organizations to expand opportunities for students. By focusing on student-centered outcomes, the President drives the university toward greater accessibility and success. Kennedy oversees the allocation of resources to support campus infrastructure and faculty development. Through proactive leadership and a clear vision for the future, the President ensures that the university continues to serve as a vital resource for the community and a leader in higher education.
    Elizabeth Kennedy

    Marian Montiel - Chief of Staff

    Marian Montiel, the Chief of Staff at Missouri Western State University, coordinates high-level administrative functions to ensure institutional alignment with core educational goals. Montiel manages internal communications and facilitates cross-departmental collaboration to streamline university operations. By overseeing executive workflows, the Chief of Staff enables the leadership team to focus on long-term strategic initiatives that benefit the student body. Marian Montiel maintains rigorous standards for organizational efficiency while supporting the broader mission of the Foundation. This role involves constant interaction with various campus stakeholders to resolve complex operational challenges. Through meticulous planning and execution, the Chief of Staff drives the administrative success necessary for the university to thrive in a competitive educational landscape. Montiel ensures that all institutional processes remain transparent, effective, and fully integrated with the overarching objectives of the university and its charitable partners.

    Leroy Tieman - Board of Governors

    Leroy Tieman, the Board of Governors at Missouri Western State University, provides essential oversight and strategic guidance to ensure institutional integrity. Tieman participates in the governance process, setting policies that dictate the long-term direction of the university. As a member of the Board of Governors, Leroy Tieman evaluates executive performance and approves major financial commitments that support the Foundation mission. This role involves balancing the needs of students, faculty, and the community to maintain academic excellence. By reviewing institutional data and market trends, the Board of Governors helps shape the future of the university. Tieman ensures that all decisions align with the core values of the institution and the requirements of the educational sector. Through diligent monitoring and policy development, the Board of Governors secures the stability and growth of the university, fostering an environment where students can achieve their full potential.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Missouri Western State University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Missouri Western State University?
    Missouri Western State University is led by Michele Chambers (Foundation Director and Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Patt Lilly (Interim President) and Miller Natalie (Western Activities Council President).
    Who is part of Missouri Western State University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Missouri Western State University includes leaders such as Michele Chambers (Foundation Director and Chief Financial Officer), Patt Lilly (Interim President), Miller Natalie (Western Activities Council President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Missouri Western State University have?
    Missouri Western State University has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Missouri Western State University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Missouri Western State University includes roles such as Foundation Director and Chief Financial Officer, Interim President, Western Activities Council President, President, President.