LINN — At the Jan. 30 State Tech board meeting, Regents President John Klebba expanded on his comments at the previous day’s Activity Center renaming ceremony, reflecting on the college’s history and growth.

“I’ve never been more surprised in my life, and I’m not sure that I adequately expressed my appreciation for the moment,” said Klebba. “I’ve had a night to think about it, and I just want to say that I’m terribly honored. I am humbled by that, and when I think back all the people who have had tremendous influence on this college and its history, we all think back to Thurman Willett, who started with just a concept.”

From that seed, State Tech has grown into its current form as a nationally recognized technical college.

Klebba credited early leaders, faculty, and staff for building a strong foundation and said the college’s continued success has been driven by its people.

“Buildings are important, but what makes State Tech special is the people who come here every day and dedicate themselves to students,” Klebba said.

In the early days, funding was a challenge. “I remember my dad talking about the fact that they would raid the Coke machines to get money to pay bills back in those days,” he noted. “I mean, you want to talk about operating on a shoestring — those guys operated on a shoestring.”

There were also times when administrators struggled to meet payroll demands. “My dad would help because he believed in the college,” said Klebba. “My dad was a conservative old German but he told them to go ahead and write the checks and the bank would cover them. So you know, there were times where they did not have money in the account to make payroll, and yet they struggled through.”

The future became much more certain when the college became part of the state on July 1, 1996, which was technically his first day as a Regent.

He also referenced the college’s expansion over the past several decades and its commitment to workforce development, emphasizing that State Tech’s mission remains rooted in preparing students for profitable employment and lifelong learning.

“There have really been two major decisions in my 30 years on the board,” said Klebba. “One was retaining Dr. Don Claycomb as president; the other was hiring Dr. Shawn Strong to take over, with his vision and ability to get things done. You hire good CEOs, and then get the hell out of the way and let them realize their vision.”

Klebba also praised the efforts of those in positions not often celebrated or recognized, from food service to financial aid, and people in the development department who go out to corporate sponsors to get funding. All of those folks who have a tremendous impact on students day to day. And that’s why we’re here, right? We’re not here for an institution. We’re here so that we can graduate about 1,000 kids a year with an ability to go out and make a life for themselves, and hopefully, to contribute to society.”

Another person who has spent 30 years trying to make State Tech the best possible institution is Dwight Massey, who retired after working multiple roles during his career, including instructor, department chair, and heavy equipment operations technician.

Klebba noted Massey’s depth of institutional knowledge and technical expertise made him an invaluable resource to students, faculty, staff and the broader campus community. “Dwight is widely recognized for his extraordinary commitment to big tech,” said Klebba. “While not formally part of the admissions team, he has been a frequent presence at recruiting events and is regarded as one of the college’s most effective ambassadors his ability to speak passionately and authentically about State Tech. His deep understanding of programs and history has made a lasting impression on prospective students and their families. Whether supporting students directly, assisting colleagues, maintaining and staging equipment, welcoming visitors, or responding when help is needed on short notice, he consistently goes above and beyond service to the college.”

Klebba also said that Massey’s community involvement as an alderman and currently, as mayor of Linn, further reflect his dedication to public service and community engagement.”

In recognition, for his exceptional contributions, Massey was presented the State Tech Champion Award in 2025.

Massey and Klebba worked tirelessly to develop Maguire Park, and the latter recalled one early Sunday morning, before church, when Massey was in a hole repairing a broken water main. “His biggest vice is that he can do anything, and gets called to do everything,” said Klebba. The college and community would not be where they are today without your service. I can’t say enough how much I personally appreciate what you have done, and what you have meant to this college and to this community. Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement. May you have a long, healthy retirement.”

Massey told the board and guests that it has been a privilege and an honor to be part of the institution and the community. “When we moved here, people took us in and made us feel like family, and that’s what this institution has become for me — my family,” said Massey, crediting former leaders and the current administration for strengthening the college and expanding its programs and facilities.

Massey credited the work Dr. Claycomb did to build the college, and praised Dr. Strong for the continued effort. “Dr. Strong took the good bones we had with the college, and fleshed them out,” said Massey. “He’s made it something special.

“Every time I drive across campus and see all the buildings, I’m reminded that State Tech is not about the buildings,” he continued. “If you took every one of those buildings, you put them in a pile and set them on fire, there would still be State Tech, because State Tech is people.”

Massey said he was grateful for the opportunity to serve and thanked faculty, staff, and board members for their support throughout his career. “There is nothing I would not do for this institution if it was in my power,” he said. “It has become my home, and it is with a heavy heart that I retire.”

A retirement reception was held later in the day in his honor.