1. STATE TECH SPOTLIGHT
“We just want to
do what’s best for
our students.”
- Dr. Claycomb
In This Issue
 Federal Judge’s Legal
Opinion
 Dr. Claycomb Winter
Farewell Events
 Employees praise Dr.
Claycomb
Federal Court Upholds STC’s
Mandatory Drug Testing Plan
By Sarah Salmons, Communications Instructor
A federal appeals court has found that State Technical College of
Missouri may make drug testing mandatory for all students.
This decision marks a major victory in the college’s legal battle with
the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to provide a safe and drug
-free learning environment, as well as a notable achievement for Dr.
Donald Claycomb, college president, during the final year of his ten-
ure.
“I am pleased with the ruling that we are justified to do this,” Dr.
Claycomb said.
The college initiated its drug testing program in the fall semester of
2011, and soon drew nationwide attention when a federal district
judge blocked the college from implementing the program.
The 2-1 decision from the United States Court of Appeals for the
Eighth Circuit is the latest step in a long court battle over whether
drug testing violates the Constitution’s Fourth Amendment ban on
unreasonable searches.
The ACLU in response has filed an en banc, which means the case
will be heard by all 11 judges in the Eighth District.
Nonetheless, the college is prepared to begin applying its drug test-
ing policy for a likely Fall 2016 roll-out of the program.
Regardless of the final outcome of the case, “we have won in the
court of public opinion,” Dr. Claycomb stated.
State Technical College of Missouri January 2016

2. Judge Clarence Beam’s
Ruling in Favor of STC
The Eighth Circuit Court of appeals issued an opinion Dec. 7,
2015, in support of State Technical College’s drug testing pro-
gram.
The case is Barrett v. Claycomb.
Following is the opinion, written by Judge Clarence Beam:
“Linn State’s student population comprised of roughly 1,200
students are primarily engaged in safety-sensitive and poten-
tially dangerous curriculum due to the unique nature of this
particular vocational and technical college and its limited fo-
cus.
“On balance, testing the entire student population entering
Linn State is reasonable and hence constitutional and an ef-
fective means of addressing Linn State’s interest in providing
a ‘safe, healthy, and productive environment for everyone who
learns and works at LSTC by detecting, preventing, and deter-
ring drug use and abuse among students.’
“For the reasons stated herein, we reverse the district court’s
permanent injunction and remand for dismissal of the case.
Because we reverse this matter, we also necessarily reverse
the district court’s award of fees in favor of the Appellees and,
accordingly, remand the consolidated matter for dismissal as
well.”
Winter Events
Honoring
Dr. Claycomb
Jan. 21: State of the College,
from 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Jan. 22: Board of Regents
Jan. 25: Dr. Claycomb will re-
ceive the District VI Chief Ex-
ecutive Leadership Award
from the Council for Ad-
vancement and Support of
Education.
February: Career and Tech-
nical Education Month
Feb. 2: Legislative Traveling
Showcase at STC, from 5:45-
7:30 p.m.
Feb. 11: Dr. Claycomb to
speak at MCCTA Conference
and to receive an award.
Feb. 16: President for a Day
Feb. 17: Ice cream and pic-
tures with Dr. Claycomb in
the ITC Rotunda from 1-2 p.m.
Feb. 26: Advisory Council
In lieu of gifts, please make a donation to Dr. Claycomb’s Presidential Scholarship Endowment.

3. Praise for Dr. Claycomb
Kelli Jones, Communications and Social Sciences Department Chair
“Dr. Claycomb has a true passion for State Technical College of Missouri. His dedication and com-
mitment to this community and to this college do not go unnoticed. His leadership has taken STC
to an elite level in technical education. I’m proud to be a part of a college with a strong reputation
for producing graduates with the valued technical and communication skills needed for advance-
ment in the workplace. Thank you for your years of service.”
Nadine Anderson, Information Technology Specialist
“Dr. Claycomb is not your typical college president. He is not afraid to get his hands dirty, whether
it is helping clean up the grounds or working on equipment. He leads by example and has a great
amount of respect for his staff, colleagues and community. Under his leadership, the college has
transitioned into a state college serving students throughout Missouri.”
Teresa White, Lead Instructor, Business Administration
“Dr. Claycomb’s achievements are vast, but it seems they are never about him, but always about
what he can do for others.”
Jeff Holtmeyer, HVAC Instructor
“I feel privileged to have met a person such as Dr. Claycomb. He is the type of person that always
takes time out of his busy schedule to stop and chat with others. Under Dr. Claycomb’s supervi-
sion, the college has grown in leaps and bounds. He has done many great things for this facility. I
personally hate to see him go.”