ASU officials were on hand Monday to congratulate long time employees Keith Steele and Laura Walton are retiring from the center. Pictured are, from left: Vicki Frans, assistant registrar; Keith Steele, assistant vice chancellor; Laura Walton, director; and Larry Williams, chancellor. (Tribune photo / Samantha Martin) [Click to enlarge]

ASU Technical Center in Marked Tree honored two retiring administrators Monday, July 7 with a celebration reception at the campus.

Community members, friends and relatives crowded the center, which is currently undergoing renovations, to congratulate Keith Steele, assistant vice chancellor, and Laura Walton, director

Steele began his career with the former Delta Vocational Technical School in 1971 as an adult education instructor. Over the years, he has held the positions of vocational administrator, director and president before assuming his present position in 1996.

"I'm going to mess around with farming full time," said Steele of his plans for retirement. He said he plans to plant a garden and spend more time raising livestock, a hobby of his for years.

"I also have a 500 page honey-do list that I've been putting off for 37 and a half years," Steele said with a laugh. "I think my wife is going to get me started on it this week."

Walton began her career with Delta Vocational Technical School in 1983 as an instructor for the dislocated worker program. In 1984, she was head of the employability programs and in 1988 moved into her current director position.

Walton said her retirement plans will include spending time with friends and family, and traveling of course.

"I plan to travel as much as I can," Walton said.

Walton said she has already started traveling and has just returned from a cruise to Barbados with her family.

ASU technical officials from all campuses attended the reception including new staff members Michael Miles, director of student services, and Jeff Bookout, director of instructional programs. (See next week's edition for more about the new directors)

All those in attendance expressed their gratitude for Steel and Walton's dedication to both the community and the growth and continued success for the future of the programs at ASU Technical Center. Their contributions will forever be appreciated by former and future students, faculty and staff.