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| Warden Virginia Pullen Retires from the Wyoming Women’s Center |
| By Wyoming Department of Corrections |
| Published: 11/28/2016 |
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Lusk – After over 30 years in corrections, Virginia Pullen has retired as the Warden of the Wyoming Women’s Center (WWC) in Lusk, Wyoming. A retirement party was held for Pullen on November 4, 2016, her last day of work. Joined by her husband Richard and her daughter Ashley (Decker), Pullen said goodbye to numerous colleagues from WWC and around the state. Many senior level officials from the Wyoming Department of Corrections (WDOC) were on hand to congratulate Pullen and thank her for an outstanding career. She was the last original staff member to retire from the Women’s Center, having worked at the facility since it opened in August 1984. “I will miss the interaction with staff and inmates, and the relationships I’ve developed. I’m very grateful to have been given the opportunity to serve in this capacity,” Pullen said. Pullen began her career at WWC as a vocational educator and went on to become the Education Manager in August 1986. During her tenure in the education department, education and vocational programming at WWC made significant strides and the facility was twice recognized as a model GED testing center. In May 2010 Pullen was promoted to Program/Unit Manager where she provided for the administration, supervision, coordination, and monitoring of a multi-disciplinary team with direct responsibility for all programming and education efforts, inmate housing, and volunteer program management, along with other duties. Pullen received a variety of recognitions and awards throughout her corrections career. She was WWC's exemplary employee of the year in 2012 and became a Certified Corrections Manager through the American Corrections Association in 2013. Having learned the lessons of corrections from the inside and from the ground up, Pullen was appointed Warden in December 2013. “When I was asked to step in as Warden, it was quite the compliment. Knowing that the Department’s administration had that kind of confidence in me really meant a lot,” said Pullen. “I’m very proud to have been able to offer opportunities for the women [inmates] to gain self-confidence, whether by obtaining their GED, or learning self-respect,” said Pullen, noting that her nonjudgmental attitude was key to working with inmates. “You have to like people…if you can’t see beyond why they’re in prison, you can’t do your job.” Pullen went on to say that being approachable and taking the time to truly listen to inmates and staff helped her to be a better warden. She emphasized the importance of maintaining balance in life given the fact that corrections can be an exhausting line of work. She encouraged people to step out of their comfort zone and try something they didn’t think they wanted to do or could do. “I am extremely grateful to Warden Pullen for her many years of service to the State of Wyoming. Across the years she has provided a professional, balanced and stabilizing influence at WWC that will be missed by staff and inmates alike. I join everybody in wishing her a happy, healthy, lengthy and well-deserved retirement,” said WDOC Director Bob Lampert. Pullen and her husband plan on staying in Lusk and will continue to be active in the community. Retirement plans include lots of time with their three grandchildren, enjoying their cabin in Northwest Nebraska, and hopefully some travelling. “I’ve always wanted to go to Germany, so we’ll see,” said Pullen. A new warden at WWC has yet to be named. |
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