Administrator of the Year

Valerie Barton

By Heather Craig

In recognition of her outstanding contributions to Career and Technical Education (CTE), retired Hinds Community College (Hinds) Dean of Secondary Career and Technical Education Valerie Barton was named the 2023 Mississippi ACTE Administrator of the Year.

Barton, now serving as the Workforce Coordinator and Career Coach Manager at the Central Mississippi Planning and Development District, received the award for her transformative work at Hinds and her unwavering commitment to empowering students on their journeys toward meaningful careers.

Barton’s journey as an administrator at Hinds began after a 12-year tenure as a school counselor. When approached to lead a dropout prevention program tailored for high school students, she embraced the opportunity and quickly realized her calling in the world of CTE. Under her guidance, the program thrived, and Barton’s dedication to the field grew stronger.

Reflecting on her transition to administration, Barton shared, “My engagement with the Mississippi Association for Career and Technical Education (MS ACTE) was pivotal in preparing me for aiding students in their exploration of CTE options.” She highlighted how each year, she willingly took on new responsibilities within the organization, expanding her horizons and fostering the exchange of best practices with fellow CTE educators.

It was not long before Barton’s passion for CTE became evident in her professional journey when she was entrusted with overseeing the Secondary Career and Technical Center at Hinds. Her dedication and visionary leadership transformed the center into a hub of career exploration, where students could actively engage with CTE programs, preparing for successful futures.

When asked about her motivation in the face of challenges, Barton spoke of her view of challenges as opportunities for growth. She emphasized that in education, the ultimate goal is to empower students to navigate life beyond high school successfully. CTE, in her eyes, equips students with lifelong skills, enabling them to secure sustainable livelihoods and play vital roles in society.

In her role as an advocate for students, Barton offered valuable advice, saying, “Discover your passions and explore career opportunities that align with those passions.” She stressed the importance of high school as a unique window of opportunity for active exploration. Encouraging students to engage in meaningful conversations with professionals in their fields of interest and seek out job shadowing and other immersive experiences, she highlighted the significance of making informed career choices.

Furthermore, Barton underscored the crucial role of CTE in Mississippi’s employment landscape, emphasizing the need for skilled job opportunities that demand more than a high school diploma but less than a four-year college degree. CTE not only addresses this demand but also equips students with practical skills and competencies essential for success in these roles.

Recently retired from her role as the Dean of Secondary Career and Technical Education at Hinds Community College, Barton continues her mission to shape the future of Mississippi’s workforce. In her new role at the CMPDD, she remains a beacon of inspiration and a dedicated advocate for students pursuing their dreams through CTE.

Barton’s journey serves as an inspirational testament to the transformative power of careerfocused education. As Hinds Vice President of CTE Instruction Sherry

Bellmon said, “During her tenure at Hinds, [Barton] achieved success in every division she led while also serving faithfully at the state level for Secondary CTE. She is most worthy of the recognition as the 2023 MS ACTE Administrator of the Year. Her excellent work speaks for itself.”

Marion County Students Host Blood Drive

The National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) sponsored a blood drive in August with assistance from students enrolled in the Marion County Career and Technology Center’s (MCCTC) health science and sports medicine programs. Students from MCCTC donated 56 units of blood.

These real-life heroes at MCCTC made a difference in more than 150 lives for every unit of blood donated. Health science and sports medicine students checked blood pressure, maneuvered students to and from class and escorted students to the Vitalant bus.

MCCTC NTHS is sponsored by Amy Baughman, Debbie Brumfield and Chandra Expose. Katie Albritton teaches health science and Grace Ali Spradley teaches sports medicine.