Adult Degree Program student shares her unique story with Chronicle

Kim Chaudoin | 11/21/2012

Often, children follow in the footsteps of their parents in life.

But, Joy Wildes is following the path her daughter has set out on.

Joy Wildes, right, and daughter, Sara, left.

Sara, Wildes’ daughter, enrolled at Lipscomb University as a freshman this fall. Wildes, 43, also enrolled this fall through the Adult Degree Program’s Turn Back Tuition program. Through this unique program, Wildes is paying the same rate as when she first enrolled in college in 1987.

The Chronicle of Higher Education recently featured Wildes' story in its "Say Something" podcast.

Wildes’ husband saw a billboard along the interstate this summer for Lipscomb’s unique Turn Back Tuition program and told his wife about it. In 1987, Wildes began her pursuit of a college degree at Jefferson Community College. During the course of her studies, she took at break to get married. Then, children came along and Wildes said she always thought about returning to school, but just didn’t have the time as a busy working mother of three children.

The Turn Back Tuition program was just the incentive Wildes said she needed to return to college. The program was launched this summer and offers busy working adults the opportunity to “try out” Lipscomb University at a reduced rate to help them overcome apprehension they may have about continuing their college education.

“It’s fun having  daughter on campus. I can see her when I’m on campus for class and touch base with her,” said Wildes. “I do hope that me doing this will inspire her to do her best.”

She is majoring in elementary education at Lipscomb.

Click here to listen to Wildes tell her story.