Умер основатель Missouri State Technical College Дональд Клейкомб, реализовавший мечту о колокольне

In 1993, when Donald "Don" Claycomb took the helm of what would one day become known as State Technical College of Missouri, others saw limits as he saw possibilities. With relentless ambition, he pursued a vision that would reshape technical education in Missouri. Claycomb, who led Linn Technical College for 23 years and guided its transformation into State Tech, died Tuesday at the age of 84. Claycomb's successor, State Tech President Shawn Strong, recalled that early in Claycomb's tenure, people would voice doubt about his determined goals for the school. He didn't argue, he simply built. "He relished the challenge and proved all the naysayers wrong," Strong said, noting that while Claycomb rarely discussed those early doubts publicly, he took deep pride in how much the college accomplished in spite of significant obstacles. For Claycomb, education was never simply a profession, it was a way to build opportunities. That conviction followed him from a one-room country school in northern Missouri to the presidency of an institution that would become a cornerstone of the state's technical education system. Born Jan. 1, 1942, in Cainsville to Archie and Dorothy Claycomb, he grew up near Princeton, Missouri, alongside his younger brother. His early life was rooted in family, farming and education, experiences that anchored the long career he would build. After graduating from Princeton High School in 1960, he earned a degree in agricultural education from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1964. He went on to earn a master's degree in education from Northwest Missouri State University and a doctorate in vocational technical education from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Claycomb began his career in the classroom as a high school agriculture teacher and FFA adviser. He later taught at Trenton Junior College, Kansas State University and the University of Missouri-Columbia before serving as executive director of the Missouri State Advisory Council on Technical Education. In 1993, Claycomb became president of Linn Technical College at a pivotal moment in its history. Under Claycomb's 23-year leadership, the institution underwent a fundamental evolution. Following the passage of Missouri Senate Bill 101 in 1995, Linn Tech officially joined the state higher education system, eventually rebranding to State Technical College of Missouri. Claycomb guided the college through that transition while expanding its academic programs, facilities and faculty. His tenure was defined not just by administrative milestones, but by a warmth and personal dedication remembered long after his retirement. "Always greeting you with a smile," Strong said, reflecting on his memories of Claycomb. That dedication to service extended to Claycomb's family life. In 1989, he married Linda Johnston Blake. Linda later served as associate nursing department chair at State Tech for six years, working past retirement age like her husband. "Not because they had to, but because they loved to give back," Strong said. "Work was such a big part of their lives that they didn't want to give it up." When Claycomb retired in 2016, the college awarded him its first honorary degree and named its information technology center the Dr. Donald M. Claycomb Information Technology Center. Claycomb was always an encouraging presence on campus. Strong noted that Claycomb never overstepped, but was always ready to offer guidance when asked. "He was a cheerleader," Strong said. "We've really stayed true to his vision, and I've tried the best I can to continue his legacy." His commitment to education extended beyond campus walls. In 2018, Gov. Mike Parson appointed Claycomb to the Missouri State Board of Education, where he advocated for students across the state. His work earned him a Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of State Councils on Vocational Education and a recognition as a "2015 Pioneer in Education" by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Away from his professional duties, Claycomb was deeply involved in civic life and committed to the mission and ministry of Saint John's United Methodist Church in Linn. He and Linda shared a love of the outdoors, spending time camping and traveling, and enjoying their small hobby farm in Linn. One of Claycomb's enduring dreams for the campus was a central bell tower on the quad. During his presidency, he held a tradition of ringing a school bell at the start of every academic year. That dream came full circle just before his death. This summer, State Tech stationed a bell tower in the quad. As soon as it was installed, Strong sent his first text message to Claycomb. Within 10 minutes, Claycomb arrived on campus. "He just had the biggest grin on his face," Strong said. "I knew that was his vision, and it was fun to be able to realize that for him." Claycomb was preceded in death by his wife, Linda, and his parents, Archie and Dorothy. He is survived by his daughters, Dana Hill and Donna (Craig) Sokol; sons, Steven (Alexandra) Claycomb, Scott (Jennifer) Blake and Sean (Jodi) Blake; grandchildren, Kayla Stover, Scout and Arden Claycomb, and Ethan, Abigail, Emily and Keira Blake; his brother, Charles Edward and his wife, Sharon; and many nieces and nephews. Family and friends will be received from 5-8 p.m. on Aug. 28 in the Dr. Donald M. Claycomb Information Technology Center Rotunda at State Technical College of Missouri. A celebration of life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 29 in the Vehicle and Power Center Conference Hall at State Tech.