ROBERT STRICKLAND NAMED CHATEAU'S ADMINISTRATOR

Robert V. Strickland is in familiar surroundings at the Chateau Cape Girardeau retirement center in Cape Girardeau.

Strickland, who has been a licensed health care administrator since 1987, has been named as administrator of the 30-year-old facility.

Strickland has spent the past 15 years at the center as assistant administrator.

"I've had experience in all aspects of the operations here," said Strickland.

"I've been here half as long as the facility."

Strickland replaces Sondra Coughlin, who served as administrator of the center more than a year and a half.

The first administrator was Carl Wilkins, from 1979 to 1984. Barbara Calvin served as administrator 25 years, before retiring in 1998.

The full-service center, which opened in 1979, currently serves more than 300 people ranging from individual two-bedroom homes and independent living apartments, to assisted living and skilled nursing care.

"We have 33 houses and 143 apartments," said Strickland. "And, we're in the process of adding four more apartments."

The center, at Independence and Mount Auburn, currently has a staff of more than 160.

Strickland is a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University, with a bachelor of science degree in business administration, with a major in accounting and minor in economics.

Prior to joining Chateau Girardeau, Strickland was in public accounting.

A resident of Cape Girardeau since 1965, Strickland is a native of the Charleston area.

He is a board member of the Missouri League of Nursing Home Administrators.

Strickland and his wife, Jenny, are parents of three sons -- Van Strickland, Jason Strickland and Matthew Strickland.

He has been involved in scouting and as a boys little league manager.