A legacy of leadership: “Doc” Shires’ influence lives on
Published on May 29, 2025
By Rachel Adkins
Maysville Community and Technical College mourns the loss of its second president,
Dr. James “Doc” Shires, and extends its deepest condolences to his loved ones.
Shires served as president, known as director at the time, of the college for nearly 30 years, beginning his term in 1971 and concluding it in 1997.
Since the beginning, MCTC’s (known as Maysville Community College during Shires’ term) mission has been to provide opportunities for students to transfer, technical programs to prepare students for the workforce, and continuing education and community service opportunities for the area.
When Shires stepped into the director’s role, the transfer function was the priority of the college.
“He was the driving force to provide more opportunities in technical areas, and the early important breakthrough was the Associate Degree Nursing program,” remarked John Klee, a liberal arts and education professor at MCTC.
Shires led the college through the process of hiring faculty and securing approval through the community college system and the important accrediting agencies.
The college’s technical programs have produced many successful students who go on to work at local factories, power plants, in retail, and much more.
Nursing and allied health graduates have likely touched and improved the lives of more people in the region than any other programs at the college.
Since the opportunity first began, MCTC’s transfer program has aided many graduates in continuing their journey into the workforce, with many becoming educators, physicians, and engineers.
Shires could also be considered a pioneer in taking courses and programs to other areas.
Rallying community and political support, Shires was part of the process in expanding the college to Cynthiana, ultimately leading to a building and multiple programs.
The expansion that started with the Licking Valley Campus has continued today. MCTC now has four campuses, located in Mason, Harrison, Rowan, and Montgomery counties.
Looking back to the era in which Shires served as director, the college had a basketball team, participated in competitions with other colleges, hosted a weekly television show, presented two plays a year, held fall and spring dances, lectures, and much more.
“Doc made sure everything ran smoothly,” Klee said.
He noted that Shires participated as much as possible, building tennis courts and coordinating competitions for faculty, staff, and students among his other contributions.
Although the student body has changed over the years, there is still constant and steady growth at the college.
Ensuring the college was a center for community presentations and professional development for many businesses and industries, Shires was focused on Maysville Community College, the community, and service to the country through his military work.
“His service to the museum and his local radio work, after his college work ended, demonstrates what an asset he was to the region,” Klee concluded.
Jason Butler, a college recruiter, reminisced on his relationship with Shires.
“Doc Shires, my great friend and first boss at Maysville Community College, took a chance on me at a young age of 23 and gave me such a rewarding job at the college that I have come to realize so much over my near 28 years of serving our students at the college,” Butler began.
He continued, “So many memories with this great man and leader that I will cherish forever. To Robyn and his family, I extend my condolences and send many prayers for his passing. His leadership and love for his community we are all better from. I will miss him greatly! Simply a great, all-around man who loved his family and his community.”
