Henderson veteran graduates with two degrees at 60

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) announced a 60-year-old Henderson Navy veteran will soon graduate from its institution with two degrees.

UTA said John Shirley is a Navy veteran who has overcome several obstacles, including a cancer diagnosis and homelessness, in achieving his educational dreams. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served for eight years, including three on active duty in the late 1980s aboard the USS Cochrane. After leaving the military, Shirley spent the next couple of decades working a variety of jobs, primarily as an electrician, while also facing serious medical challenges, including a diagnosis of colon cancer.

The university said that following six surgeries and with his cancer in remission, Shirley made the decision in November 2021 to pack up and move to Dallas, Texas. He briefly stayed at a homeless shelter in South Dallas before landing a job. However, he believed a college degree was the key to a better life.

In August 2022, he enrolled at UTA, and on May 9, he will walk across the graduation stage at Globe Life Field in Arlington as a double major, earning bachelor’s degrees in real estate and finance, according to the university.

UTA said that since Shirley is now holding two degrees, Shirley is exploring opportunities with major financial institutions and even considering starting his own real estate company.

“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. Being around younger students helps me feel young again. It’s encouraging to see others pushing through similar struggles. My message to anyone considering going back to college—if I can make it, they can make it.”