Shaw Speaks To South Alabama Government Students

Col. Kelcey Shaw, commander of the Mobile Engineer District, visited the University of South Alabama on May 1 to speak with undergraduate students about his career as an Army officer and his experience in federal service.

Shaw spoke to students in Dr. Willie Patterson’s Introduction to U.S. Government and Comparative Politics classes. During the session, Shaw discussed his military service, his responsibilities as Mobile District commander and the role of the federal government, while also answering questions from students.

“I was honored to have the opportunity to speak with Dr. Patterson’s classes and share my experiences with his students,” Shaw said. “I hope I was able to provide his students insight into what a career in the U.S. Army is like and what all is entailed in working for our government.”

The speaking engagement came after Shaw and Patterson met during the Mobile District’s December town hall and celebration at the district office. Patterson, who previously served as chief of real estate for the Mobile District, was introduced to Shaw by Karen Kennedy, the district’s current real estate chief.

After hearing Shaw’s presentation and observing his leadership style, Patterson said he believed his students would benefit from hearing directly from someone with experience leading within the Corps of Engineers.

“My Introduction to U.S. Government and Comparative Politics courses were ideal settings for Col. Shaw’s expertise and insights,” Patterson said. “Shaw, like all of the guest speakers I have had come to my classes, provides students with valuable exposure to professionals serving at the federal level.”

Patterson said bringing real-world government experience into the classroom is an important part of his teaching. He retired after 34 years with the Corps of Engineers, having served at the district, division and headquarters levels. His assignments included work with the Mobile and New Orleans districts, the North Atlantic Division, the South Atlantic Division and Corps Headquarters.

Since retiring from the Mobile District, Patterson has continued to draw on his professional network to connect students with government and public service professionals, including current and former Mobile District personnel.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my transition from federal service to academia,” Patterson said. “Teaching has always been a dream of mine and truly my first love. While still employed with USACE, I taught two PROSPECT courses, which became one of the greatest joys of my career. The opportunity to share knowledge with students — blending both theory and practical experience — is something I deeply enjoy and value.”

Shaw said he hopes the discussion gave students a better understanding of federal service and encouraged some of them to consider careers with the Corps or specifically with the Mobile District.

“You never know what can provide the spark that inspires someone to service with the federal government,” Shaw said. “If my insights could influence someone to choose a future with USACE and Mobile District, then that would definitely make my efforts well worth it.”

Featured photo caption: Col. Kelsey Shaw, commander of the Mobile Engineer District, speaks to students in Dr. Willie Patterson’s Comparative Politics class May 1 at the University of South Alabama, Mobile, Ala. Shaw gave the students a firsthand look at his experience as a career officer in the U.S. Army. (Photo by Chuck Walker/Mobile Engineer District)