So Inspiring! Grandma of 4 Graduates from University

Darlene Mullins, a grandmother of 4, has always told her children to make sure they finish what they started. She has lived by example, as on May 6th, she is going to receive her Bachelor’s degree from Tennessee State University after 55 years.

Tennessee state University Newsroom reports that her incredible journey to earn a college degree began on TSU’s campus in 1962. But as soon as it started it was cut short. She said love got in the way, as she will be married 54 years by August. She met her husband, John Mullins a fellow student and senior who she described as dashing & handsome. More than a half-century and two children and several grandchildren later, John and Darlene have remained very supportive of each other. Darlene said she never forgot about her academic aspiration

 “Something kept nagging at me. I always told my children to make sure they finish what they started and I kind of felt it was time to live up to my own advice,” she said.

Darlene decided it was time to go back to school to get her degree, and John did not hesitate for one bit she said. The couple moved back to Nashville to allow Darlene to return to TSU and pursue a degree in interdisciplinary studies in 2013.

“I love this woman so much and always told her whenever you are ready we will go because this is something I knew she always wanted and I will do nothing to hold her back,” John said.

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With the 25 credits she had accumulated before dropping out in 1963, Darlene is completing her college work in four years. A member of three honor societies, she is graduating summa cum laude. On May 6, Darlene will be among more than 800 graduates.

“My goal was to come back and finish at Tennessee State.  I didn’t know at the time how long it was going to take, I just knew I had to do it,” she said. At times, she took as many as 20 credit hours a semester, and maintained top grades.

Photo Credit: Tennessee state University Newsroom