Dr. Deborah Pape

Dr. Deborah Pape has been named Vice President of Economic Development at West Kentucky Community & Technical College.

Pape moves into the position held for five years by Dr. Paul McInturff. WKCTC President Barbara Veazey said McInturff has decided to reduce his hours and will no longer work full-time. He will remain at the college overseeing the college’s adult education program and special projects, Veazey said. The position change took effect July 1.

Pape’s move into the economic development position was a natural progression, said Veazey. “Dr. Pape has been working three years with the college in the area of workforce development, and she has done an excellent job. As the new emerging technology center is developing, the workforce and economic development will be the keystone of the center,” Veazey said. “This is a great time for Dr. Pape to assume this position as Dr. McInturff has chosen to reduce his workload and devote himself to other important initiatives of the college.”

Pape began work at the college as an adjunct faculty member, developing and teaching courses in Six Sigma, quality systems, team building and leadership to business and industry. She served as director of external education from 2005-2007 and was named dean of community, workforce, and economic development in 2007.

Pape holds bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. She is certified as a Six Sigma Master Black Belt, an ISO Lead Auditor and a Behavioral Analyst.

A former high school teacher, Pape was previously manager of quality and customer services for two years at Georgia-Pacific Corp. in Arkansas and was senior quality and human resources manager at TRW Automotive. Pape also has more than 14 years of health care administrative experience.