Minnie Payne became the eldest University of North Texas graduate earlier this month after she graduated with a master's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies.
Payne told UNT she was humbled to have finished her degree online, which in itself is a great milestone for anyone in her generation.
Minnie says she is "elated" and "humbled," having completed her degree program in July, which she finished entirely online.
"I took it day by day," she says.
The new graduate attended junior college briefly after graduating from high school in 1950 but left to begin her career. It was more than 50 years later when she returned to the classroom, after getting married in 1961 and staying home to raise her two children. She later retired from her career as a transcriptionist. In 2006, she got her bachelor's degree from Texas Woman's University at the age of 73.
After graduating, she worked as a freelance and staff writer for various state and local publications, something she says was both constructive and therapeutic for her.
When she went back to complete her master's degree, she planned to get her degree in journalism before switching to Interdisciplinary Studies.
Payne's academic advisor said of her,
We use the term `lifelong learner,' but Minnie truly exhibits this. Her persistence to complete her degree at age 90 is impressive. She had a purpose in completing this degree. Minnie was meticulous in the selection of courses. She had specific traits sought in each class. She could have finished a little sooner, but she stayed the course to get the most out of her education.
Here she is walking across the stage with her 23-year-old grandson, who is also an UNT grad:
Minnie said that although she's reached her goal of graduating with her master's degree, she will continue to learn in new ways.
She said of her education,
I knew that I was bettering myself and my family, and I was doing something I enjoyed and something constructive. I was improving my life. Every day I try to do something to improve my life and those around me.
Here's a news segment with Minnie where she shares more of her story and some life advice:
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