A 90-year-old woman graduated with a master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of North Texas, becoming the institution’s oldest graduate.
The graduate in question, Minnie Payne, originally from South Carolina, wanted to continue learning after completing a Bachelor of General Studies when she was 73 years old.
It was after a career in a mill, several years as a stay-at-home mother and a few more as a substitute teacher that Ms. Payne wanted to return to school at age 68, after her retirement, according to what the university writes in a press release.
In particular, she took journalism courses.
“I have always worked with words,” she explains. I always loved writing, so I went back to school almost immediately (after retiring) to improve.”
After completing her first degree in 2006, at the age of 73, she worked as an editor for several publications, including in Dallas and Houston.
When she wanted to continue her studies in journalism at the master’s level, she preferred to turn to interdisciplinary studies, preferring to take as many courses as possible remotely.
Minnie Payne says she didn’t always find it easy to be an unusual student given her age.
“I really had to study and sleepless nights, but I did it,” she says.
The graduate considers that it was normal for her to return to studies, even at this age.
“I knew I was becoming a better person for myself and my family, all by doing something I loved and being constructive,” she says. Every day I try to do something to improve my life and that of the people around me.”
Her achievement makes her the oldest person to graduate from the University of North Texas.
“The persistence she demonstrated in completing her degree at age 90 is impressive,” explains the university’s vice dean of graduate studies, Billy Roessler. She had a goal and she succeeded.”
Despite earning her master’s degree, Payne has no plans to stop and plans to continue learning “one way or another.”
