FRANKLIN
For many people, retiring once is more than enough. But not for Kay Meditz. After working at Paul D. Camp Community College for 31 years, she retired, only to find herself three years later working part-time at the Regional Workforce Development Center for another 10. All along the way, though, it’s been more than a pleasant experience.

“Naturally, you’re sad to leave, but everybody’s so great to work with here. You’ll miss the people,” Meditz said on the morning of her retirement. “I’ve enjoyed my work and the community.”

After graduating from Southampton High School in June 1971, she applied for several jobs. By early August, Meditz found a job as an admissions clerk at PDCCC. But because the college’s campus building hadn’t been finished, she first worked out of a building on Main Street in Downtown Franklin.

A little less than two years later, Meditz became secretary to the Director of Student Services, followed by Student Services secretary in May 1977 and then secretary of the college dean in August 1979.

In addition to serving as an assistant to four presidents — Drs. Michael McCall, Ed Barnes, Jerry Frig and Doug Boyce — she also worked with three interim presidents before retiring in December 2002.

During those years, Meditz advanced her own education, and earned her Certified Professional Secretary Certification in 1988, her AAS Degree in Administrative Support Technology in 1998 and her Certified Administrative Professional Certification in 2002.

Almost three years later in September 2005, Meditz got hired back as a part-time receptionist at the college’s RWDC.

In addition to expanding her education, she has participated in several professional members, including

the International Association of Administrative Professionals Southside Virginia Chapter and the Virginia Community Colleges Association.

Meditz was also a charter member of the PDCCC Alumni Society, and served on the college’s Safety Committee, the SACS Effectiveness Subcommittee, the Faculty and Institutional Affairs Committee, the Recruitment Committee and the EEO Committee.

As to be expected, Meditz had earned nothing but praise for her dedication and professionalism.

“Throughout her career, Kay has made substantial administrative contributions to the growth and culture of the College. We benefited tremendously from her strong work ethic and excellent customer service attitude,” said Randy Betz, vice president, Workforce Development. “Having had the opportunity to work with Kay for the last decade at the Regional Workforce Development Center, I can appreciate why our many former college presidents and interim presidents truly appreciated the thoroughness of her work and her attention to detail.”

Renee Brown, administrative assistant at the center, had this to say about her colleague and friend:

“I want to thank Kay Meditz for her support and dedication to Workforce Development as well as the College during the last 10 years. Kay answered the college switchboard, greeted many clients who came to the Workforce Development Office and provided great administrative support for our Workforce staff.

“I was fortunate to work under Kay’s supervision as a part-time employee in the president’s office while taking classes at the college in the late 1990s,” Brown continued. “She has always been a great mentor and supporter throughout my career and I learned a great deal under her leadership. I would have never thought that one day the table would turn and she would be working under my supervision at Workforce Development. I have enjoyed our professional working relationship throughout the years, but most of all I am thankful for her friendship.”

Meditz again wanted to stress how much everyone she’s ever worked with at the college and center have mean to her.

“A number of people made my job really interesting. My career has spanned over 41 years — it’s the only place I ever worked and it’s been a wonderful experience,” she said. “I’ve been very fortunate. There have been great people to work for and with.”

Unless Meditz somehow finds herself punching a clock again, she’ll enjoy her new retirement era, maybe with a little volunteering, playing the piano just for herself and a bit more traveling.

“I love the beach,” she added with a smile.