Payne to retire from CTC in June; new director named

After 28 years with the Cape Girardeau public school system, Career and Technology Center director Rich Payne will retire at the end of June.

Payne, who has been the CTC�s director for 18 years, said what he�s most proud of is the center�s continued efforts to upgrade and create innovative programming for the region.

�One of my most rewarding things has been to create programming that assists students ages 15 to 65 to move into the world of work or move forward in one of our programs and better themselves,� Payne said.

The educational work, which builds up the local economy, is �very rewarding,� Payne added.

While CTC offers many programs unique in the state, such as the high-school-level licensed practical nurse, or LPN, program, there�s still room to grow, Payne said.

For instance, �I still don�t think we�re close to fulfilling the needs in our region�s technology area,� Payne said, �but it�s all about finding opportunities and moving forward.�

While it wasn�t his personal accomplishment, Payne said, he is pleased to see the creation of Cape College Center on the same campus as CTC.

Cape College Center brings higher education and lower division coursework to people in the area, and supports associate degrees through Mineral Area College, Payne said.

�It�s helped make this campus a one-stop shop for technical education,� Payne said.

As to Payne�s plans for his retirement, he said, �All options are open.�

He said it isn�t really his focus just yet, as he still has work to do at CTC.

Payne�s successor, Libby Guilliams, is the assistant director for post-secondary studies.

She knows the institution, its mission and its people, Payne said, and he has every confidence he�s leaving CTC in the best hands.

�I have a phenomenal, and I do mean phenomenal, resource in the support at this school,� Payne said. �They make up this school, not Rich Payne, not Libby Guilliams. It�s the people that run this school.�

Payne said CTC�s mission is clear: �If we can help students get skills, elevate themselves and the economy, we�re doing good things,� Payne said. �It�s been a good run at a good place, and I�m leaving it in good hands.�

mniederkorn@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3630

Pertinent address:

1080 S. Silver Springs Road, Cape Girardeau, Mo.