MCTC's transfer degree option opens the door to ‘Going Pro’ for local student

Published on Apr 30, 2025

By Rachel Adkins

Throughout April, May, and June, Maysville Community and Technical College will feature 12 students graduating in May 2025 who have committed to careers. 

This is a Going Pro initiative, which strives to bring awareness to the possibilities unlocked as a traditional-age college student with little to no experience in the workforce. 

With many different programs offered at MCTC, prospective students can enter the workforce right after finishing their credentials. 

Colby Hurst, 20, is a student enrolled in the transfer degree pathway on the Maysville campus. Beginning his journey with MCTC in the fall of 2023, Hurst is currently seeking an associate in arts (AA) with a business focus. 

When he first enrolled as a student, he was not sure of the path he wanted to take professionally. Hurst knew it would be best to complete general education courses to later transfer to a four-year university for his bachelor’s degree.

“I wasn’t 100 percent sure what I wanted to do, so I came here (to MCTC) to get my gen eds way cheaper than I could anywhere else,” Hurst explained. 

Participating in a co-op program during his senior year of high school, Hurst began his career at the People’s Bank of Kentucky in Flemingsburg in the fall of 2022. He later transferred to the Maysville branch.

He discussed the benefits of working as a full-time college student while completing his degree, noting that MCTC provided a unique perspective on the viewpoint of other responsibilities outside of the classroom. 

“I’m really glad I did go here because I have not met a single professor that I didn’t like. Everybody here is so nice. Everybody here understands that you have other things you have to be doing other than school. It’s a breath of fresh air,” Hurst remarked.

Hollie Poe, Hurst’s supervisor, spoke briefly on the benefits of hiring a student who is enrolled in college courses. 

“For part-time work, it makes their hours flexible. We work around their schedule, which helps with our hours at the bank,” Poe said.