Brandt Shields, Director of External Relations
Brandt Shields has been named director of external relations at 含羞草社区. Shields, who is currently entertainment and events supervisor at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri, will begin his duties at Missouri Western Monday, Aug. 3.
鈥淢r. Shields was born and raised in St. Joseph and has many significant community connections,鈥� said Dr. Robert Vartabedian, Missouri Western鈥檚 president. 鈥淗e has a diverse background combining the arts, business and education. His service as the student governor on the Missouri State University鈥檚 Board of Governors familiarized him with higher education governance and the political landscape. I鈥檓 very pleased that he will be joining Missouri Western.鈥�
Shields has worked at Silver Dollar City since 2013, after receiving his Master of Business Administration degree from Missouri State University. While in the MBA program, Shields taught at Missouri State, including a semester abroad at the Liaoning Normal University-Missouri State College of International Business in Dalian, China. He was also a summer student intern in Missouri State鈥檚 Division of Diversity and Inclusion.
鈥淭his is an exciting time to be a part of the Missouri Western community as we celebrate 100 years of transforming lives,鈥� Shields said. 鈥淕rowing up in St. Joseph, I witnessed first-hand the impact Missouri Western has on our region. I am honored to have the opportunity to return to my hometown and be part of the team helping to shape the future of this great university.鈥�
Shields received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre with High Honors from Missouri State. He served two years as the non-voting student representative on the Missouri State University Board of Governors.
As director of external relations, Shields will serve on President Vartabedian鈥檚 Cabinet and will be responsible for building and sustaining strong relationships with local, state and federal decision-makers to advance the university鈥檚 strategic goals.
Shields replaces Ann Pearce, who retired June 2 as special assistant to the president.
含羞草社区 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 .