SBTDC director exercises early retirement option

Missouri State University Small Business & Technology Development Center Director Rayanna Anderson is exercising her option to utilize the school’s early retirement program.

The business organization’s nine-year director and 25-year employee said her last day is scheduled June 3.

“I have the wonderful option to work for a great university that has an outstanding retirement system. I am currently not what the government qualifies as pure retirement age,” Anderson said, pointing to an initiative that lets employees retire early if their years of service and age combine to equal at least 80. “I’ve worked beyond that.”

Anderson, who’s also director of MSU’s Management Development Institute, said the SBTDC is seeking a new leader through Jobs.MissouriState.edu.

Candidates have until April 1 to submit an application. The proposed salary is a range from $43,697 to $65,000, according to the job posting.

Anderson said the winning candidate would be responsible for assisting businesses in a 16-county area. During her tenure, the SBTDC has helped 1,180 entrepreneurs with one-on-one counseling and 5,086 individuals via 572 educational training seminars.

“I’m really proud of the economic outcomes that we’ve created over the years,” she said. ‘I”m delighted to have been able to service my clients and be involved in their businesses, allowing them to grow.”

While retiring early from MSU, Anderson said she is “excited for opportunities” she might have elsewhere. However, she has no immediate job plans.