[audio:http://www.stjosephpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Vartabidien2.mp3|titles=Vartabidien2]
Click to listen to Dave Riggert’s interview with Dr. Vartabedian

MWSU News Release

The employment contract of Dave Williams, director of athletics at Missouri Western State University, will not be renewed, the university announced. Williams had been athletic director since March 2008.

“I’ve asked Dan Nicoson, vice president for university advancement, to serve as interim athletic director, effective immediately,” said Dr. Robert A. Vartabedian, Western’s president. “Dan is an outstanding administrator and will be especially important as a liaison between the university and the Kansas City Chiefs as we prepare for our second summer training camp. Additionally, Patsy Smith, associate director of athletics, has agreed to oversee much of the day-to-day operations of the department and our athletic programs.”

Nicoson has been at Western since 2004. He has a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from the University of Indianapolis, where he played both football and basketball, and a master’s degree in secondary education from Indiana State University. Prior to entering university administration full-time, Nicoson coached football and baseball at the high school level for five years and football at the University of Indianapolis for five years.

Smith began her Western career as a tennis student-athlete in 1990. She graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1995.  She became the head women’s tennis coach in 1994, leading the team to its first NCAA tournament appearance in 1998. Since then, she has served the department as business manager, director of compliance and academics, director of finance, assistant athletic director and her current role as associate athletic director and senior woman administrator.

A national search for a permanent athletic director will begin immediately. Dr. Vartabedian said he hopes to have the position filled by Jan. 1, 2012.