The West Liberty native is a third-generation educator. Her grandmother, Beulah Standafer Gibson (57), and mother, Sandra Gibson Pelfrey (69), both graduated from Morehead State University. Oldfield’s two daughters, Arin Oldfield May (16) and Leah Clay Oldfield (17), have followed suit, completing their respective teaching degrees at MSU.
Oldfield earned her bachelor and master’s degrees in elementary education. After graduation, she spent the next 15 years as a kindergarten teacher at West Liberty Elementary before becoming an elementary principal (West Liberty and Wrigley Elementary) for the next 10 years. In 2015, after earning a second master’s degree in school administration, she became the principal at Morgan County High School—a position she still holds today.
Oldfield insists the MSU degrees have been instrumental in her growth and success, which was enhanced by the institution’s long-standing reputation for small class sizes and one-on-one instruction.
“I feel like I received a high-quality education from Morehead State University,” Oldfield said. “I never met a professor that wasn’t willing to go the extra mile. Everybody was always very supportive, and I think that makes a difference.”
Oldfield’s daughters were eager to keep the family’s education legacy alive. Arin is a special education teacher while Leah Clay teaches first grade—both at Morgan Central Elementary.
“To see that they have the love of education and the desire to see students succeed is a proud mom moment.”
Oldfield is now in her 30th year in public education. During that time, she’s seen hundreds of students learn, grow and achieve success.
“Probably one of the things I’m most proud of is being an elementary principal and having some of the students I currently have in high school—to see how far they’ve come and how successful they’re going to be.”
Oldfield has high praise for Morehead State and maintains close ties with the institution. As for students looking for the right college fit, she’s happy to steer them to her alma mater.
“I would recommend for anyone who wants to follow my path in education to go to Morehead State University. I’m being serious when I say that I’d put my education up against anyone I’ve ever met.”
To learn more about programs in MSU’s Ernst and Sara Lane Volgenau College of Education, call 606-783-2162 or visit www.moreheadstate.edu/education.
