UNI student to conclude “20-year odyssey” toward bachelor’s degree
UNI student to conclude “20-year odyssey” toward bachelor’s degree
Earning a bachelor’s degree is a proud achievement for anyone — but, perhaps, the victory is that much sweeter when it’s been 20 years in the making, like it is for UNI student Jared Gadson. At almost 39, Gadson is set to complete his bachelor’s degree in communication in May.
“It’s been important for me to finish not only for myself but also for my children to show them you can achieve if you believe and have persistence, perseverance and dedication,” said Gadson. “I want to finish what I started.”
For Gadson, an Iowa City native, the journey began at the University of Iowa where he studied mass communication right out of high school. A self-described social butterfly, Gadson said he was more focused on relationships in college than excelling in his studies.
Higher education was always important to the Gadson family. So after two years of studying, when Gadson found himself withdrawing, he felt angst. Even as he withdrew, he always knew he would return one day to finish.
Gadson worked labor jobs and held other positions in the Iowa City area until 2010 when he decided to move to Waterloo to be closer to his parents who had relocated. Jared’s father, Willie coached wrestling at Waterloo East High School and his mom, Denita, worked as an academic advisor in the Wilson College of Business for a while. She now works with the UNI Center for Urban Education (UNI-CUE).
Even when he moved, Gadson kept hope alive that he would return to school someday.
“I knew about that statistic that says college graduates make more over their lifetimes than non-college graduates,” he said. “So I knew I wanted to finish school, but it just was never the right time.”
“I knew about that statistic that says college graduates make more over their lifetimes than non-college graduates. So I knew I wanted to finish school, but it just was never the right time.”
Finally, in 2021, Gadson, now a father of four, decided to take the leap and enroll at the University of Northern Iowa. It was close to home, and he knew the smaller class sizes would allow him to get the most out of his education.
“I decided I was going to try and better myself and that now would be the perfect time to finish school because I wanted to be more viable for whatever I was going to do,” said Gadson.
UNI-CUE was extremely instrumental in Gadson’s enrollment. He was in contact with Constance McGovern, an educational counselor who has since retired. Simply talking with her gave Gadson the courage he needed to take the next step.
“She let me know that my dream wasn’t too far-fetched and that it was possible to get back into school and complete my degree,” said Gadson. “She showed me a step-by-step process of what needed to take place in order for me to obtain my degree.”
After McGovern retired, Gadson received assistance from Nickole Dillard, director of the Educational Opportunity Center. Gadson said Dillard was especially helpful when it came to filling out the FAFSA.
Gadson doesn’t remember much about his first day back to school at UNI but knows it was a good day.
“It was all a blur, but I know I enjoyed it because I enjoy learning,” he said. “I'm very curious. I know I felt like I belonged.”
From the beginning, Gadson said he has been impressed by the way his fellow students have accepted him, though in many instances, he is twice their age. The people of UNI, both professors and students, have made the experience “phenomenal.”
“I don't think I can pinpoint one specific thing that is my favorite about UNI, but the people have made my time here great,” he said. “They've been very welcoming and accepting of me and my family. I’ve brought my children on campus, and they love to interact with the college students and the staff and faculty. I hold the relationships that I've started at UNI in high regard because the people are top flight.”
Throughout his time at UNI, Gadson has been involved with Black Student Union. He’s worked a variety of jobs on campus, including in University Relations, the Department of Philosophy and World Religions and the UNI Foundation. His work with the Foundation has kindled an interest in nonprofit work, and he is planning on getting his master’s degree in philanthropy and nonprofit management a few years after earning his bachelor’s degree.
“I don't think I can pinpoint one specific thing that is my favorite about UNI, but the people have made my time here great."
While graduating several years ago may have been a more conventional route, Gadson believes the life experience he gained before earning his degree has given him extra appreciation for what he’s accomplished.
“It's been like a 20-year odyssey with ups and downs,” he said. “It's like a hero's quest or hero's journey, but I'm coming to the end.”
