Staff Writer

After six years of hard work at the Troy Pike Center for Technology, Sherry key will be resigning as the TPCT director on June 30th.

Under Key’s leadership the TPCT has grown from a vocational school to a technology center that prepares both high school students and adults for both the job market and the college classroom.

Key started work at the center in 1977 teaching nursing courses.

"When classes started, construction wasn’t finished on the buildings so we had classes at the armory on Elba Highway," Key said. "So I always say that I’ve been here since before the building went up."

Key still worked part-time as a nurse in the critical-care unit at the Baptist Medical Center in Montgomery, until three years ago.

"I came to a point, mentally,

where I knew I didn’t need to continue, so I walked away," Key said. "I still miss it, though."

She took over as director of the center in 1995 and began outlining a five-year plan of goals she hoped to achieve that would help the TPCT grow and expand.

Key wanted TPCT graduates to be sought after for employment by local business and industry. To do this she has helped to make sure all the programs offered at the TPCT are business industry certified and provide students a strong academic core that they need to be successful.

"We wanted to make students aware of the options they have after graduation, and give them the academic base to be successful in whatever option they choose," Key said.

It may have taken six years instead of five, but Key has accomplished all her goals since becoming director and just this past year opened a new graphic design department.

Key will be leaving to start a new job at the State Department of Education.

"I think this is a good time to leave. I am really happy with where the school is," Key said. "When I started this job, I had an end in mind and I think I’ve accomplished my goal and am ready to move on to the next level.

"I feel like we’ve built a good foundation for whoever takes my place to build on," Key said.

Troy City Schools Superintendent Hank Jones said Key will be missed.

"Mrs. Key has an excellent opportunity at the State Department,"

Jones said. "We are sad to see her go and it will be difficult to find someone to fill her position."

Jones said the search for a new director has already begun and the interview process should begin next week.

Key will start her new position on July 2.