“Started Fall 1977. Finished Fall 2023”: Gwendolyn Carson Morgan (Jackson State University)

Source: Aron Smith, https://www.jsumsnews.com/devoted-mother-achieves-lifelong-dream-becomes-jsu-alumna-at-64/

Gwendolyn Carson Morgan, a dedicated mother and senior at Jackson State University, is prepared to add ‘JSU alumna’ to her list of accomplishments on December 8. At 64 years old, she is proving that life’s obstacles are no match for her enduring determination. 

A native of Carthage, Mississippi, her academic journey at JSU began in 1977, where she majored in business education. However, unforeseen circumstances led her to leave college in 1980 and enter the workforce.

Encouraged by the unwavering support of her daughter, Morgan, began her studies at JSU in 1977 in business education but had to put her education on hold in 1980 for family commitments.

“I chose marriage, believing it was more important than my education at the time. Getting married and starting a family felt like the right thing to do, and it seemed more important than finishing school,” she shared. 

Despite a subsequent attempt to return to her studies in the fall of 1982, Morgan faced additional hurdles that halted her progress. Her life took an unexpected turn, with her marriage ending in divorce only a year and a half after her nuptials. 

“In an attempt to continue my education, I enrolled in a night class and faced the challenge of commuting from Carthage while working full-time,” Morgan recounted. “Each night, I had someone accompany me for the drive. It became too much for them, and they could not continue. After struggling through one class, I realized the burden was too great.”

Her connection to JSU deepened after she found new love and married Alphonzie Morgan Jr, a 1971 JSU Health and Physical Education graduate and former member of the university’s baseball team. The JSU connection deepened when their daughter Brittany Morgan chose to pursue her education at the same institution, earning her bachelor’s, master’s, and specialist degrees from JSU.

Gwendolyn Morgan beams with pride, reflecting on her daughter’s remarkable achievements of earning her bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees from Jackson State University. “Witnessing my daughter’s academic journey and success at JSU has been one of the greatest joys of my life,” she expresses with heartfelt pride. Picture left to right: Colby Morgan, Alphonzie Morgan Jr., Gwendolyn Morgan, and Brittany Morgan.

Morgan’s pursuit of education took a turning point when her husband of 35 years passed away in May 2020. Further motivated by her daughter’s college achievements, she returned to JSU, a dream she held for decades. 

“In 2022, just before my birthday, I decided it was time to act on my long-held regret of not finishing school,” she recalled. Her daughter supported her efforts, and encouraged Morgan to explore the Complete to Compete (C2C) program, reigniting her educational journey.

Gloria Smith, Ph.D., student support services director at JSU, also played a crucial role in Morgan’s comeback, introducing her to the JSUOnline University Studies program and connecting her with JSUOnline advisor Robin Marshall, ensuring continual support throughout her education process.

Morgan said Smith’s continued support and check-ins were invaluable, proving to be a guiding force from her first class to her final semester.

She also credited the kindness and understanding of JSU’s faculty, staff, and classmates, who provided unwavering moral support during her moments of grief.

Gwendolyn Morgan joyfully tosses her graduation cap skyward, marking the celebration of a 46-year journey to achieve her college degree.

Morgan’s remarkable achievement at 64 serves as a beacon of hope and motivation for others and proves that it is never too late to chase one’s dreams, regardless of the obstacles.

“Don’t let life’s roadblocks permanently stop you from achieving your goals, no matter how long it takes,” she said.