From MCTC Dual Credit student to full-time employee
Published on Dec 17, 2024
By Mary Morris
When Kaitlynn (Katie) Gilbert began her higher education with Dual Credit courses at Maysville Community and Technical College, she could never have guessed how her path would come full circle. Today, in her career as a College Recruiter at MCTC, Katie serves students with the same assistance she received as a high school student.
Katie attended Augusta Independent Schools from first grade through her senior year of high school. She knew from a young age that she needed a college degree to accomplish her goals. Although her parents were not college graduates, they supported her and encouraged her to further her education.
The choice to take Dual Credit courses with MCTC was an easy one. Dual Credit courses would allow her to earn high school and college credit simultaneously to reach her goal of earning a degree faster and her peers had nothing but positive things to say about the college. The small class sizes were similar to those at her high school, making it easier to get personalized assistance with courses.
“The faculty and staff were always so nice and helpful in the classroom and when we would see them in the hallways,” Katie remembers.
When it was time to decide where she wanted to enroll full-time after graduating high school, her experiences as a Dual Credit student solidified her decision to enroll at MCTC.
“I knew I was going to have to complete prerequisite classes no matter where I went. At MCTC, the same courses were more affordable and I was already accustomed to campus life,” says Katie.
Katie became a work-study in the Enrollment Center at the Maysville campus alongside the same staff who had helped her enroll in classes and set up her financial aid. She earned hands-on experience working in student service while the position helped her pay for gas, books and groceries.
Once she graduated with two associate degrees, it was time for Katie to take the next step. To earn her bachelor’s degree, she would need to transfer to a four-year university.
“Tara Thornberry helped me navigate the requirements to transfer,” Katie says. “If it wasn’t for her, I probably wouldn’t have had the confidence to make the transition to Morehead State University.”
After working in multiple industries, Katie realized her passion lay in working with students. She went back to work in the educational field with GEARUP Kentucky. When MCTC opened a position with Dual Credit, she didn’t hesitate to apply.
“When I received the news that I was being offered the position, I knew I would be able to help students taking Dual Credit courses because of my own experience. MCTC has provided me with unique opportunities over the years,” Katie adds.
She is passionate about sharing equally tailored opportunities with today’s high school students. “My educational journey up to this point has been completely tuition-free,” she says.
Every year, high school students are given the opportunity to take MCTC Dual Credit courses. Every year a student is in high school, they get two free scholarships for Work Ready classes in high-wage, high-demand career fields.
KHEAA is now also offering two dual credit courses for both a student’s junior and senior year of high school.
“These KHEAA scholarships are a huge opportunity for students to take college classes tuition-free,” Katie says. “Dual credit courses are not only going to save you time, they’re going to save you money.”
Students or parents who are interested in the MCTC Dual Credit program should reach out to Director of Dual Credit Alisha Plummer, at alisha.plummer@kctcs.edu or (606) 301-6124 for guidance and information on the process.
