A Lifelong Dream Realized: Linda Young’s Journey to Earning Her LSU Master’s Degree

Some dreams stay with us for decades, just waiting for the right moment to be brought to life. For Linda Young, that dream began at age five, when she attended her first LSU football game. It stayed with her through high school, into adulthood, across state lines, and through more than 50 years of life, family, volunteer service, and professional experience. 

When Linda enrolled in the online LSU Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in Higher Education Administration program, she wasn’t starting over; she was returning to something that had always mattered to her. And along the way, she proved to herself and to others that learning has no age limit.  

Meet Linda Young 

Can you introduce yourself—your name, where you’re from, and what program you’ve completed or are currently enrolled in? 
I am Linda Young, born and raised in Louisiana; currently live in Euless, Texas; completed my MA in Education - Higher Education Administration in December, 2024. 

What initially made you apply to the online Higher Education Administration program? 
I started attending LSU football games when I was five years old; when I graduated from Zachary High School in 1967, it never occurred to me to go anywhere but LSU. During my junior year at LSU, my husband Ron and I moved to Texas, where I completed a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from University of Texas at Arlington, which was near his first Army assignment. But my dream to earn an LSU degree never faded. Ron and I have been heavily involved as LSU alumni volunteers with high school recruiting in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area for more than 35 years. The master’s degree in Higher Education Administration online seemed to be a natural extension of my volunteer work in student recruitment and alumni relations. 

What were your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them? 
Biggest challenges – technology curve to mount; I never heard the term “Turnitin” until my first online class. Having been out of the classroom for more than 50 years, my professors were very helpful and encouraging. I overcame my fear of emailing and contacting my professors when I had a question or needed clarification on an assignment. 

What was your favorite course or topic? Why? 
Probably between ELRC 7614 - College Access and Choice, and ELRC 7890 - Retention and Student Success, both taught by Dr. Ashley Clayton. I enjoyed learning about the barriers that students face when navigating the college enrollment process. Also, once the students are enrolled, it’s important to understand the factors that impact retention and success. 

What did you appreciate most about the faculty and support services? 
They were accessible and encouraged students to email them or zoom during office hours. My student success coach, Ben Bell, was great – I looked forward to his weekly calls to check up on me and tell me, “You got this!” 

Having been out of the classroom for more than 50 years, what does this accomplishment mean to you personally? 
Personally, earning a degree from LSU was a lifelong dream, which I am very proud of. More than that, it has allowed me to say to others, “you’re never too old, and never stop learning”. I am better for having read and written MANY higher ed papers, and it forced me to reflect on my past and acknowledge where I came from. 

What advice would you give to prospective students considering the program? 
Be prepared to read and write a lot of papers; be sure your professor knows who you are (just like a regular classroom); participate in the discussion groups; and interact with students in your class. I made several good friends and enjoyed meeting them at graduation. 

What skills or knowledge from the program have been most valuable in your journey? 
Even after all the years of volunteering with recruiting for the Admissions Office, my degree has given me a better understanding of all the aspects of recruiting and enrolling students and the barriers that many of them face, financial and otherwise. As we visit with prospective students and their parents, I’m better able to see things from their perspective. 

What message do you hope your story sends to others who may feel it’s “too late” to pursue their education? 
See #7 – Never stop learning! Online education makes that degree accessible, attainable, and affordable, and you will never regret the time spent earning it. My husband said I was probably the only 75-year-old grandmother of four getting her Masters, and I’m so glad I did! 

LSU Online Supports Learning at Any Age  

Linda’s story reflects the heart that so many online learners bring to their studies. The online Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in Higher Education Administration provides a flexible, supportive structure designed for working professionals and nontraditional learners. Through accessible online coursework, dedicated faculty, and student resources, the program helps students turn their personal goals into meaningful accomplishments. If you’re considering advancing your career in higher education, this degree can help you get there.  

Learn more about the program and apply today!