Metallica Scholar, Army veteran returns for second career

ECTC electrical technology student and recent Metallica Scholar Charles Nelson has already had one career. After more than 20 years in the Army, he retired as a patriot missile system operator/maintainer in 2020. In 2023, he decided to return to school for a degree that will lead to a high-demand career.

“I like to build things and work with my hands,” Nelson said. “I did a lot of maintenance and working with electronics in the Army, so this is kind of in my wheelhouse.”

The positive reputation of ECTC’s technical program is one of the main reasons Nelson chose the college, he said.

“The professors are very knowledgeable and seem to really care,” he said. “They’re experts in their fields and I’ve enjoyed learning from them. They’ve given me the skills and hands-on experience to have a good foundation to start working in the industry.”

Assistant Professor of Electrical Technology Dylan Barnes said Nelson has been a quiet but consistent student who has excelled in all his classes.

“Charles never shows up with a negative attitude and completes all work in a timely and professional manner,” he said. “He is an ideal student and has set a high standard for others to emulate.”

Nelson will graduate in spring of 2025 but is returning to earn a second degree in robotics and automation.

“I want to do something I enjoy and building and working with electricity and robotics interests me,” he said. “I’ve learned a lot here."

Despite his success in the classroom, earning the Metallica Scholars Scholarship was a surprise for Nelson.

“It’s nice to be recognized for my hard work and efforts,” he said.