David Shields, M.S
Director of the Academic Resource Center
David Shields was appointed Director of the Academic Resource Center in July of 2017, having previously served as the Coordinator for three years. Mr. Shields graduated from the University of Mount Olive with a B.S in Psychology. He continued his academic journey at Nova Southeastern University where he obtained his M.S in General Psychology in May of 2016. He is currently completing coursework in pursuit of his Ph.D in Educational Psychology at Regent University.
Mr. Shields has worked in the ARC since 2010. His first position allowed him to serve as a tutor for Research and Statistical Methods. Over the next few years, Mr. Shields began to assist with Guided Collaborative Learning and Supplemental Instruction. Upon graduation, he was hired as Coordinator of the Academic Resource Center by Dr. Regina Stone-Hernandez, former Director of the Academic Resource Center.
Dr. Stone-Hernandez has had a highly influential impact of Mr. Shields' outlook on education: "Dr. Stone-Hernandez has had a big impact on my life. I was about to start working in a golf shop when I was approached about working in the ARC. She showed me how essential academic support is to the University and how much of an impact I could have on individual students. She has touched so many students over the years, I am still not quite sure why she came for me, but I am certainly grateful that she did!"
Academics were not always the primary focus in Mr. Shields' life: "I was not a good high school student! I was far more interested in sports than finishing my homework, but I managed to scrape by. It wasn't until my 2nd semester at UMO that I realized I could make good grades. A change in perspective allowed me to see that I was capable of much more. Academic success did not come easy to me. It took dedication and hard work, but it has certainly paid off."
Mr. Shields has also served as an Adjunct Instructor of Psychology, teaching introductory courses: "I had no idea that I would become a teacher or an academic administrator when I started at UMO. I was a terrible presenter and got very nervous when people were looking at me, but I became more and more confident with each presentation. Now I give them for a living!"
Mr. Shields has conducted numerous research studies on decision making, attention, learning, and memory. He has primarily focused on how to present complex materials in ways that will enhance understanding. He presented the findings of his latest study at the annual Southeastern Psychological Association (SEPA) conference in March of 2017.
Mr. Shields has worked in the ARC since 2010. His first position allowed him to serve as a tutor for Research and Statistical Methods. Over the next few years, Mr. Shields began to assist with Guided Collaborative Learning and Supplemental Instruction. Upon graduation, he was hired as Coordinator of the Academic Resource Center by Dr. Regina Stone-Hernandez, former Director of the Academic Resource Center.
Dr. Stone-Hernandez has had a highly influential impact of Mr. Shields' outlook on education: "Dr. Stone-Hernandez has had a big impact on my life. I was about to start working in a golf shop when I was approached about working in the ARC. She showed me how essential academic support is to the University and how much of an impact I could have on individual students. She has touched so many students over the years, I am still not quite sure why she came for me, but I am certainly grateful that she did!"
Academics were not always the primary focus in Mr. Shields' life: "I was not a good high school student! I was far more interested in sports than finishing my homework, but I managed to scrape by. It wasn't until my 2nd semester at UMO that I realized I could make good grades. A change in perspective allowed me to see that I was capable of much more. Academic success did not come easy to me. It took dedication and hard work, but it has certainly paid off."
Mr. Shields has also served as an Adjunct Instructor of Psychology, teaching introductory courses: "I had no idea that I would become a teacher or an academic administrator when I started at UMO. I was a terrible presenter and got very nervous when people were looking at me, but I became more and more confident with each presentation. Now I give them for a living!"
Mr. Shields has conducted numerous research studies on decision making, attention, learning, and memory. He has primarily focused on how to present complex materials in ways that will enhance understanding. He presented the findings of his latest study at the annual Southeastern Psychological Association (SEPA) conference in March of 2017.
