Meet Raymond Shields: OMBA Student Spotlight

“I have never lost my love for the University [of Louisville] and the city of Louisville,” shared Vice-President of Commercial Bank in Nashville, Tennessee and spring 2021 Online MBA cohort member Raymond Shields. Though Shields may now reside out of state, he lived in Louisville until 1974, and “watched as my sister, Dr. Sharon L. Shields, received her undergraduate and master’s degrees from UofL. My father, Reverend Alan V. Shields also received his master’s degree from UofL.”

Shields brings to the OMBA program extensive knowledge and a lifelong career within the banking industry, along with an impressive academic resume tailored to his passion and commitment to the field of finance. He graduated from Belmont University with an undergraduate degree in finance. Additionally, he attended programs from the Tennessee Bankers Association, Vanderbilt University, and Duke University.

“Getting an MBA will provide me knowledge that will make me even stronger as a thought leader in my field. It will allow me to set myself apart from other individuals with the same goals.”

With a wealth of knowledge gained through multiple academic programs over the course of his life, Shields knew that his academic career would not be complete without earning his graduate degree. “Getting an MBA will provide me knowledge that will make me even stronger as a thought leader in my field. It will allow me to set myself apart from other individuals with the same goals.” Due to his busy schedule, Shields knew that earning his graduate degree online was necessary. “The timing of the Executive MBA programs and the lack of online MBA programs at the time were just not a fit with my schedule and goals.” Those circumstances changed for Shields once UofL launched its Online MBA option for degree completion. “Online learning has allowed me to pursue my education, when I would not have been able to otherwise.”

“My interactions with Dr. Audrey Kline and Dr. Zac Goldman have been incredible and have put a ‘personal stamp’ on my time during the OMBA.”

Connecting with faculty and classmates via the virtual platform has been both positive and rewarding for Shields. “The four other members of my team have been just awesome,” he shared. “We have worked well together, and I am looking forward to more projects with them.” Just as powerful were his experiences working with his faculty members. “My interactions with Dr. Audrey Kline and Dr. Zac Goldman have been incredible and have put a ‘personal stamp’ on my time during the OMBA.”

When he wants to unwind, Shields can be found cheering at Tennessee Titan games at home, or simply enjoying an afternoon outside his home with Titan, his English Springer Spaniel. “I like to…sit out on our deck with a glass of wine or a bourbon and watch the farm behind our house for deer and other wildlife. It is so peaceful and an oasis from the stress of the day.”

Would you like to nominate someone to be featured for the OMBA Student Spotlight? Email us at bizonline@louisville.edu.