The student chapter members at Virginia Tech proudly nominated Jonathan Bluey for the MCAA 2025-2026 Educator of the Year award based on his mentoring, mechanical industry knowledge, participation in chapter activities, and involvement in the creation of student-focused networking opportunities and collaboration with local MCA of Metropolitan Washington contractor members. In addition to a trophy, he received a $5,000 award during the MCAA26 Awards of Excellence Breakfast on Wednesday, March 18th in Phoenix, AZ.
ABOUT THE WINNER
“Professor Bluey goes far beyond the typical responsibilities of a faculty advisor by focusing not only on academic and professional development, but also on the personal growth of his students. While he provides guidance on mechanical processes and business development, his true strength lies in his ability to connect with his students on a deeper level, through their personal interests, hobbies, and individual goals. His philosophical and artistic nature allows him to mentor students in a way that encourages introspection and self-discovery. He strives to make a lasting impact, helping students grow not just as future professionals, but as thoughtful, well-rounded individuals. He is someone that students feel comfortable going to for help, whether for class, MCA, or personally.”
“Professor Bluey’s impact on the Virginia Tech student chapter goes far beyond technical instruction or administrative support. He inspires students to think critically, creatively, and introspectively. His ability to connect with students, through shared interest, thoughtful conversations, and genuine mentorship makes him not just an advisor, but a transformative figure in his students’ academic, professional and personal journeys.”
– Benjamin Collins –Virginia Tech Student Chapter President
Recruiting
Professor Bluey collaborates with faculty across multiple departments to schedule classroom presentations where chapter members can speak directly to their fellow students. This cross-disciplinary approach has significantly improved VT’s recruitment by introducing mechanical contracting to students who may not have otherwise considered it, fostering a more diverse and engaging membership population.
Employment Opportunities
By maintaining a strong relationship with MCA Metro Washington, Professor Bluey actively connects Virginia Tech students with mechanical contractors in the area. His efforts have helped students secure internships and full-time positions by organizing introductions, sharing upcoming job opportunities, and by encouraging professional engagement with industry leaders. His commitment to student success has made him a vital resource in launching careers in mechanical contracting for many chapter members.
Leadership
Professor Bluey brings a very distinctive and inspiring leadership style to the VT student chapter. Philosophical in nature and artistically inclined, he encourages his students to find deeper meaning in their work and experiences. His dual perspectives, as both a methodical engineer and a creative thinker, shapes the way he teaches and advises. Whether quoting Murphy’s Law or discussing art, he challenges his students to approach mechanical contracting and construction processes not just as a technical discipline, but as a craft that blends precision with creativity.
His guidance pushes students to reflect on their personal growth, fostering a learning environment that is both intellectually rigorous and deeply personal. In embodying this balance, Professor Bluey cultivates a chapter culture rooted in curiosity, self-discovery, and excellence.
Congratulations again to Virginia Tech’s Jonathan Bluey on being awarded the MCAA Educator of the Year award! Jonathan received a $5,000 prize, provided by the John R. Gentille Foundation, at MCAA26 during the Awards of Excellence Breakfast.
Previous MCAA Educator of the Year Recipients
- 2025 – Shannon Nicklaus (Pittsburg State University)
- 2024 – Joe Karpinski (Kent State University)
- 2023 – Marie Patterson (California State University, Chico)
- 2022 – Jacob Nelson (Missouri State University)
- 2021 – Sherif Attallah (Ball State University)
- 2020 – Cristina Cosma (Wentworth Institute of Technology)
- 2019 – Blake Wentz (Milwaukee School of Engineering)
- 2018 – Brad Perkins (Iowa State University)
- 2017 – Mostafa Khattab & Dennis Pettitt (Colorado State University)
- 2016 – Blake Wentz (Milwaukee School of Engineering)
- 2015 – Maureen Weidner (Kennesaw State University)
- 2014 – Daphene Koch (Purdue University)
- 2013 – Blake Wentz (Milwaukee School of Engineering)
- 2012 – Blake Wentz (Milwaukee School of Engineering)
- 2011 – Mike Feutz (Ferris State University)
- 2010 – John E. Schaufelberger (University of Washington)
- 2009 – Mike Feutz (Ferris State University)
- 2008 – Keith Rahn (Illinois State University)
- 2007 – Greg Baker (Oregon State University)
- 2006 – Mostafa Khattab (Colorado State University)
- 2005 – Tim Wentz (University of Nebraska)
- 2004 – Daryl Oath (Purdue University)
- 2003 – Tim Wentz (University of Nebraska)
Questions about MCAA Student Chapter Programming? Contact MCAA’s Director of Career Development, Michele Hoffman (mhoffman@mcaa.org). Be sure to check out JRGF’s website to explore the work the John R. Gentille Foundation is doing to further education and research in the mechanical industry.
