ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Missouri Western State University Interim Director of Athletics Theresa Grosbach has announced the hiring of Derek Zimmerman-Guyer as the department's director of athletics communications.
The Plattsburg, Missouri, native graduated from Missouri Western in 2020 with a degree in convergent journalism and returns to St. Joseph after serving as a multimedia journalist at WDAY television in Fargo, North Dakota. His experience as a print journalist, television reporter and play-by-play broadcaster will bring another unique skill-set to the communications department. In his role with Griffon Athletics, Zimmerman-Guyer is responsible for media relations, web stories, team statistics and the overall coordination of the athletics communication team.
"We are pleased to welcome Derek back to campus as a member of our department. Derek has a strong work ethic, and is passionate about Griffon Athletics," Grosbach said. "He will do a tremendous job promoting the success of our student-athletes, coaches and programs. Derek's versatility as a communications professional will also allow our sports information to evolve and grow in the current market. We are excited about the future of athletics communications under his leadership."
"Derek will be a great fit and a tremendous asset to our communications wing," director of creative content
Ryan Menley said. "His skill-set is distinctive, his work-ethic is impressive and his positive energy is unmatched. I saw those attributes first-hand when he was a student here, and I'm excited to welcome him as a colleague."
Zimmerman-Guyer began his college career and finished his college career at Missouri Western, with a brief stop at Missouri Baptist in between. Derek wrestled for the NAIA institution at the 133-pound weight class before returning to St. Joseph to pursue an "applied learning" approach to his eventual career path.
During his time as a student, Zimmerman-Guyer worked with multiple media platforms in the St. Joseph area. He contributed content as a sports writer/clerk at News-Press NOW for over two years while double dipping as the sports, lifestyles, copy and managing editor at the Griffon News for all four years. He also worked at KFEQ Radio as an intern sports broadcaster.
In November, 2020, Zimmerman-Guyer started at R&J Broadcasting in Ada, Minnesota, as the video production coordinator and a broadcaster for on-air sports and morning shows. In November, 2021 Derek joined Fargo's ABC affiliate WDAY before the opportunity to return home presented itself.
"Coming back to Missouri Western and just the state in general is not only good for me, but I believe I can really contribute in a big way on campus here," Zimmerman-Guyer said. "Every job I've held as a student and professional has helped shaped who I am and provided a clear path ahead. March of 2020 was the last time I worked with MWSU athletics, so it's poetic I'm here now. Coming back to St. Joseph at this stage in my career is a full-circle opportunity and I feel incredibly fortunate to complete that circle at my home university.
Zimmerman-Guyer replaces Dave Riggert, who resigned in September to serve as the radio voice for James Madison University.
