Graduating from college is a significant milestone at any age, but for 60-year-old Navy veteran John Shirley, it represents much more than a degree. It’s a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the power of education to transform lives. As he prepares to walk the stage at The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) this May, Shirley is not only achieving a personal dream but also inspiring others who may be considering a return to school later in life. His journey from military service to earning a bachelor's degree in real estate is both moving and motivating.

Shirley’s path to graduation was neither linear nor easy. Raised in the small town of Henderson, Kentucky, he joined the U.S. Navy a few years after high school, serving eight years, including three on active duty aboard the USS Cochrane in the late 1980s. After leaving the military, he spent decades working primarily as an electrician. Life, however, threw serious challenges his way. A colon cancer diagnosis led to six surgeries. Once in remission, Shirley made a bold decision in November 2021 to leave Kentucky behind and start anew in Dallas.

The transition was difficult. Without strong local connections, Shirley briefly stayed in a homeless shelter in South Dallas before securing a job. Yet he knew he wanted more. He believed that earning a college degree could unlock new opportunities and provide a sense of purpose. In August 2022, he enrolled at UT Arlington, setting his sights on a business administration degree with a focus on real estate.

“As far as I know, I’ll be the first one in my family to graduate with a bachelor’s degree. It means everything,” Shirley said. “It’s a major life accomplishment. Education is always a pathway to a better life.”

I found this detail striking: Shirley’s decision to return to college in his mid-50s, following serious health and housing challenges, exemplifies a level of determination that is both rare and admirable. His story underscores the importance of accessible higher education and support systems for nontraditional students.

At UTA, Shirley found an environment that welcomed and supported him. He became a respected figure on campus, bridging generational gaps and serving as a source of encouragement for younger students. He credits much of his success to the university’s Military and Veteran Services office, which provides guidance and community for more than 5,000 military-connected students. According to Shirley, having other veterans around made a significant difference in managing stress and feeling understood.

“I like having other veterans around—it makes you feel like you’re always on the same level,” he explained. “It helps deal with stress. We’re all students, we all have different stresses, but having other veterans to talk to makes a difference.”

Faculty members also took notice of Shirley’s commitment and character. Steve Isbell, a senior lecturer in UTA’s Department of Finance and Real Estate, praised Shirley as “a one-in-a-thousand student.” Isbell noted that veterans often bring a level of maturity and work ethic to the classroom that sets them apart. “They just come into it more serious, and the work ethic is never in question,” he said.

UTA has earned a reputation as a supportive institution for veterans. It was recently named the top public university for veterans in Texas and received a 2025-26 Military Friendly School Gold Level ranking. These recognitions reflect the university’s ongoing efforts to provide resources and build community for military-affiliated students. For Shirley, these efforts translated into tangible support that helped him thrive academically and personally.

Now, with his degree in hand, Shirley is focused on the future. He is exploring opportunities with major financial institutions and considering launching his own real estate company. These ambitions, once distant dreams, are now within reach thanks to his education and the support he received along the way.

“UTA has been great,” Shirley said. “I’ve really enjoyed talking with the professors who genuinely want to help students succeed. I also appreciate the support from Military and Veteran Services—they provide solid guidance. I’d recommend UTA to anyone looking to earn a degree—not just veterans, but everyone.”

Shirley’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to pursue a new path. For those contemplating a return to school, his message is clear and encouraging: “If I can make it, they can make it.” His journey highlights the importance of veteran support in higher education, the value of perseverance, and the life-changing impact of earning a college degree later in life.

As UTA celebrates its 130th anniversary in 2025, Shirley’s graduation is a fitting example of the university’s mission to foster student success across all walks of life. With more than 41,000 students and over 180 degree programs, UTA continues to serve as a hub for opportunity and growth in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. For John Shirley, it has been the place where a new chapter began—and where a life was rewritten.

Read more at uta.edu