BURTON TO RETIRE AFTER 40 YEARS IN MINING, HIGHER EDUCATION

Harold Burton, director of the Kentucky Coal Academy and interim director of Workforce Solutions at Big Sandy Community and Technical College, has announced his retirement.

Burton, 62, of Van Lear, started his career at the Mayo Technical School in 1985 as a mine and industrial maintenance instructor. Over the years, he held various positions at Mayo, including coordinator and workforce development liaison. He was named director of the Kentucky Coal Academy in 2007 and interim director of Workforce Solutions in 2012.

Putting people to work and seeing graduates providing for their families and being responsible members of our communities is the reward I get from my job, said Burton.

Bobby McCool, vice president of Institutional Services at BSCTC, said Burton demonstrates an unwavering commitment to students and building strong industry partnerships.

Harold attended Mayo State Vocational School, and he knew firsthand what our students were going through, McCool added. Hes a product of the training we offer, and his work has impacted generations.

Burton said he is especially proud of his work with the Kentucky Coal Academy.

Coal is near and dear to everyone in eastern Kentucky, he said. The work we were able to do in providing quality training for coal companies and miners was a best practice.

Dr. George D. Edwards, President and CEO of Big Sandy Community and Technical College, said Burton always placed student success at the forefront of his work.