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Westminster College Athletics Announces Leadership Changes to Align with Championship Culture

CommunityPress ReleaseEducation

Fulton, Mo. ‒ Jan. 20, 2026: The Westminster College Department of Intercollegiate Athletics has announced a series of leadership changes designed to strengthen departmental structure, enhance support for its 22 varsity programs and further align the department with championship-level standards.
Dr. Jessica Brown, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, explained that as the department evolves, the Athletic leadership team must evolve with it, prioritizing equitable support for all Blue Jays programs.
“High-performing athletic departments across the nation are built on a foundation of full-time head coaches focused on program success and dedicated administrative leaders focused on operational excellence,” Brown said.
The following leadership changes are designed to prepare for future growth and position Westminster Athletics to meet the heightened standards described by Brown.

  • Rosie Kent has been promoted to Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Operations and Senior Woman Administrator (SWA) after previously serving as Athletics Operations Coordinator and Executive Assistant. Her promotion reflects her strong leadership, operational expertise and continued commitment to student-athlete success.
  • Ryan Novatny has been promoted to Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine and Performance after previously serving as Director of Sports Medicine and Performance. Novatny’s promotion recognizes his leadership in growing the Sports Medicine and Performance Department and his commitment to the health and well-being of our student-athletes.
  • Tyler Oberlag has been promoted to Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Information after previously serving as Director of Sports Information. This promotion recognizes his leadership in elevating the visibility, storytelling and brand presence of Blue Jays Athletics.
  • Talisha Washington will now serve as Assistant Athletic Director for Community Outreach and Fan Engagement while continuing in her role as Head Coach of women’s basketball. Washington also previously served as Assistant Athletic Director and SWA. In her expanded role, Washington will lead initiatives focused on strengthening community relationships, enhancing the game-day experience and increasing engagement with Blue Jays fans and supporters.
Brown added that Westminster College Athletics remains dedicated to creating an environment where student-athletes, coaches and staff are empowered to thrive, both competitively and academically.
 “These leadership changes are intentional and forward-thinking,” Brown reflected. “They show our commitment to building a championship culture rooted in equity, accountability and excellence across every program.”
ABOUT WESTMINSTER COLLEGE: Founded in 1851 and home of Winston Churchill’s “Iron Curtain” speech, Westminster College is ranked prestigiously by The Princeton Review as one of 151 “Best Colleges in the Midwest” for 2026 and is one of only 37 full-participation institutions nationwide with the Civic Learning and Democracy Engagement Coalition as recognized by the Higher Learning Commission. New graduates experience a more than 90% placement rate within six months of graduation, while Westminster alumni are in the top 16% nationwide for graduate earnings. The only National Liberal Arts college in Missouri, Westminster has long been recognized for its focus on educating and inspiring students to make an impact on the world around them. Find out more about Westminster College by visiting our website.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Sarah Backer at 573-220-9038 or Sarah.Backer@WCMO.edu.

Westminster College Athletics Announc...