William Pace retires from HCTC teaching

HCTC said farewell to William Pace who has retired from teaching following 23 years as a faculty member with the Auto Body program. Pace is a graduate of the program where he taught. He put the skills he learned to great use when he owned and operated Pace Brothers Body Shop in Hyden. Using those skills in being a small business owner helped him when he moved to the classroom

Neil Brashear, Dean of Learning Services, praised Pace for constantly keeping up with the latest technology in his teaching. William was always on top of things. This was especially beneficial when it came to working with newer vehicles and all the new finishing and refinishing technologies that have evolved.

I m really missing seeing students on a daily basis, Pace said, noting that he was drawn to teaching because he wanted to help students excel. His teaching career has included high school students as well as traditional college students and he said he has enjoyed every bit in helping others learn. I loved working with students to show them what I learned, Pace said.

Carolyn Bush, division chair, said Pace has been a valuable asset to the college. We re going to miss him.

Those sentiments were echoed by HCTC President Dr. Allen Goben who presented Pace with a clock in honor of his years of service. It takes a special person to be able to teach. We appreciate William Pace because he set a level of excellence for students. Keeping cars looking their best is important and William did a wonderful job in maintaining commercial standards in that aspect as well as demonstrating great skills. We thank William for his work and wish him the very best during his retirement.

Pace holds a bachelor s degree in Industrial Education from Eastern Kentucky University.

Pace said his future days will include fishing and gardening and enjoying him home at Pigeon Roost in Perry County with his wife, Patsy and their daughter Wendy Pace.