Commencement ends 48-year journey, opens new doors

Shannon Kelley’s journey to earning her bachelor’s degree started in 1977. It will end this semester, the final steps taken through the same office she’s worked in since 2017.

Kelley, who will turn 66 this year, will receive her bachelor’s degree with an option in community development during commencement for the College of Education and Human Services.

Her mother, who is 83, will watch her walk across the stage.

She completed her degree through CMU's Innovation and Online program while working full-time as an executive office specialist for CMU Online Student Services.

It’s filled her with big emotions.

“I’m really excited to be at this point, really excited to be at this point in the journey,” she said. Part of her also wonders how she’ll fill the time she spent studying. Part of her also thinks her family and dog will love the extra attention.

Her college career started while living in Lansing and continued when she moved to Los Angeles in 1982, she said. She earned two associate degrees from Lansing Community College after moving back. Those helped by providing transfer credits.

Kelley also received prior learning credits from emergency medical technician training, customer service experience, and a Linux workshop, she said.

Between the credits from her associate degrees and prior learning, she needed 51 credits to complete her bachelor’s degree in 2017 when she came to work for what was then known as Global Campus.

It also gave her valuable perspective while working for CMU Online. Kelley is often the first contact prospective students have with CMU. That includes older people who wonder if it’s worth it to go back to school.

“Don’t give up,” she said she tells them. “It is worth it.”

Innovation and Online caters to working adults. Because CMU Online has two eight-week terms per semester, Kelley said she could enroll in two courses a semester, but one at a time. It’s less time, but the work is the same as an in-person course.

“You still have to be dedicated,” she said.

Her bachelor’s degree could help her make her next career step, working with kids in elementary schools, she said.