State Tech Mourns the Passing of Dr. Donald M. Claycomb

Published on August 12, 2026

State Technical College of Missouri mourns the loss of President Emeritus Dr. Donald M. Claycomb, whose 23 years of transformative leadership shaped the institution and its service to students across the state.

LINN, MO – State Technical College of Missouri deeply mourns the passing of President Emeritus Dr. Donald M. Claycomb, who dedicated 23 years of transformative leadership to the institution. Dr. Claycomb retired on June 30, 2016, concluding a historic tenure as Missouri’s longest-serving public college president at the time of his retirement.

A Legacy of Transformational Leadership

Dr. Claycomb’s career spanned decades across multiple tiers of the educational landscape, including secondary, community college, area vocational school, and university levels. His multi-faceted professional contributions touched instruction, educational administration, research, and state-level administration.

During his presidency, Dr. Claycomb guided the institution through its most monumental transitions:

• The 1996 State Transition: He successfully navigated the pivotal legislative era when the Missouri State Legislature officially transferred Linn Technical College to the State of Missouri as Linn State Technical College.
• Statewide Expansion: He later championed the 2014 evolution to become the State Technical College of Missouri, a name reflecting its service to students from every corner of the state.
• Institutional Advancement: Under his guidance, the college underwent dramatic upgrades in program development, regional accreditation, faculty recruitment, and campus facilities.
• Campus Infrastructure: He directly oversaw the construction of critical modern facilities, including the Klebba Activity Center, essential on-campus student housing, and the Vehicle and Power Center.

Renowned State and National Influence

Dr. Claycomb was a towering figure in vocational and technical education, holding a vocational director’s certificate for the State of Missouri and frequently lecturing for the Vocational Educator’s Leadership Academy. His leadership extended well beyond campus borders through his prominent roles, including:

• Executive Director of the Missouri State Council on Vocational Education
• President of the Missouri Association of Career and Technical Education
• President of the Missouri Association of Adult Continuing and Community Education
• Delegate to the National Security Conference at the United States War College in Carlisle Barracks

His extraordinary lifelong contributions to his field resulted in his receipt of a Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of State Councils on Vocational Education and a Service Recognition Award from Missouri SkillsUSA.

Lasting Traditions and Honors

Upon his retirement in 2016, the Board of Regents presented Dr. Claycomb with the college’s first-ever honorary degree to celebrate his unwavering dedication. In tandem with his retirement, the main campus tech hub was permanently renamed the Dr. Donald M. Claycomb Information Technology Center in his honor.

His retirement also marked the introduction of a permanent institutional tradition: the establishment of the college mace used during commencement ceremonies. Championed by Board of Regents President John Klebba, the mace symbolizes the college’s official governing authority. It remains present at commencement only when both the President and the Board of Regents are in attendance, signifying that the graduation proceedings carry official sanction.

Remembering Dr. Claycomb

“During my early tenure I heard ‘you have big shoes to fill’ countless times. State Tech is what it is today because of Don Claycomb and his vision for what State Tech could be and having the tenacity to see that vision through. Don stepped out of the way when I became president and acted as our greatest cheerleader behind the scenes. State Tech would not be what it is today without Don, he will be missed by all,” said Dr. Shawn Strong, President of State Technical College of Missouri.

“I had the pleasure of working with Don for over 30 years, first in connection with my service as a member of the Board of Regents of State Technical College of Missouri and then later as Don served on the Board of Directors of Legends Bank. In all of those years I can never remember a single negative interaction with him. He was not only a thoughtful and effective leader, but also a gentleman with high ethical standards. Our community is so much better because of him, and I will greatly miss him,” said John Klebba, President of the State Technical College of Missouri Board of Regents.

Service Information

Services will be held on the State Tech campus August 28 and 29. Visitation will be held in the Dr. Donald M. Claycomb Information Technology Center Rotunda on Friday, August 28, from 5 to 8 p.m. The funeral service will be held in the Vehicle and Power Center Conference Hall on Saturday, August 29, at 10:30 a.m.

About State Technical College of Missouri

State Technical College of Missouri, located in Linn, Missouri, is a nationally recognized public technical college offering hands-on education that prepares students for high-demand careers. Known as The Employers’ Choice, State Tech is committed to providing industry-driven programs, modern facilities, and outstanding career outcomes for students across Missouri and beyond.

For additional information, please contact Brandon McElwain at 573-897-5351.

Visit www.statetechmo.edu.