Shields named MCTC SOM for July 2025

Published on Jul 14, 2025

By Rachel Adkins

Maysville Community & Technical College is proud to recognize Caleb Michael Shields as May’s Student of the Month for his outstanding dedication, perseverance, and academic success in the Aviation Maintenance Program on the Maysville Campus.

Shields, a member of the program’s second cohort, is not only a full-time student but also a U.S. Army veteran, first-generation college student, and an exemplary role model for nontraditional learners. 

At 28 years old, Shields is balancing academics, work, and personal responsibilities with remarkable resilience and a positive outlook on his future.

Born in Germany while his father served in the U.S. Army, Shields grew up in a military family and carried that legacy forward by enlisting in the U.S. Army Reserves after graduating from high school in Hebron in 2014. 

He served for over six years as a Military Police Officer, including a nine-month deployment to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. 

After exploring various civilian jobs, Shields discovered the newly launched Aviation Maintenance Program at MCTC and enrolled in Fall 2024. 

Fueled by his passion for technical skills and aviation, Shields quickly proved his commitment to success by earning a spot on the President’s Dean List for the semester. 

He is also taking steps to earn his private pilot’s license, expanding his career options even further.

In addition to his academic excellence, Shields works more than 20 hours per week at a part-time job to support himself, demonstrating his work ethic and dedication. 

He receives Veterans Assistance for tuition and continues to set an example for fellow veterans, older adult learners, and first-generation students pursuing new beginnings through education.

“Caleb is a great example of a success story for the new Aviation program, Veterans, First Generation students & older adult students,” said nominating faculty member Andrea Driskell.

MCTC is honored to recognize Shields as Student of the Month and looks forward to the continued impact he will make in both his academic pursuits and his future aviation career.