Grimes named Interim Vice President for Student Affairs

By Matthew Hunt

April 15, 2012

Judy Grimes takes on new responsibilities as she enters the Interim Vice President for the Student Affairs office.

President Robert Vartabedian said that Grimes will provide administrative oversight for student success and advising; health and wellness and counseling; diversity, inclusion and student life; residential life and the Student Government Association.

“She brings a wealth of experience in all five of the areas,” Vartabedian said.

Grimes said something that was important to the President was that students really have a voice at the cabinet level and were able to answer questions they might have about how different programs or changes in policy might affect students. Grimes said she appreciates the opportunity to be the voice for the students and make sure they are heard, adding that the President is very proud of his students.

“He was the one that created the Vice President’s position,” Grimes said. “He’s very dedicated to make sure they have a voice. That would be my main goal: to carry the message from students to the cabinet.”

Vartabedian said that Grimes has very good people skills. He also said that we are very lucky to have her in this leadership role.

“I have long admired her willingness to be part of almost everything we do on campus,” Vartabedian said.

Cindy Heider, Associate Provost and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, said Grimes brings a wealth of knowledge. She said that Judy is all about student groups, from international students to general education, and her background in foreign languages and global travel is a wonderful resource for providing leadership to students.

“Her strengths are her degree,” Heider said. “Her personal experiences and her passion for students are a wonderful asset.”

One aspect that seems to give Grimes an edge is that she knows Western very well. Heider said that Grimes knows the faculty and has worked with about everyone on campus.

“I work really closely with Dr. Daffron,” Grimes said. “We’ve worked together for the 16 years that I’ve been there. We have a very strong relationship with academic affairs and will continue that.”

“Judy knows Western, and Western knows Judy,” Heider said. “I believe the fact that she knows Western, knows the resources, and knows the people will help benefit the University.”

Grimes stated that she loves Missouri Western and has achieved a lot in the time she has been here.

“Whatever I can do to ensure the success of the students and university, I will continue to do,” Grimes said.