Fourth-generation service member graduates summa cum laude

This winter, a fourth-generation military member walked across the stage at Texas Tech University with a new title: college graduate, after putting her education on hold to serve her nation and raise a family.

During the Winter 2025 commencement at Texas Tech, Rossalynn Thomas, a veteran of the Army and mother of five, got her Bachelor of Science in Leadership Studies. On her 44th birthday, she graduated summa cum laude and carried the flag for the School of Professional Studies, which is only given to the best students.

Before finishing high school, Thomas joined the Army Reserve in 1999. He then moved to the National Guard and served there until early 2012. She worked as a logistics specialist and then as a human resources specialist when she was in the military for about 13 years. Her family has a long history of military service; her father, grandpa, and great-grandfather all served.

Thomas, like many veterans, tried to go to college while she was in the military and after she got out, but she had to stop and start again many times because her priorities changed when she got married, had five kids, and moved around a lot. She also went back to Texas to aid her mother when she was having health problems.

After he left the military, Thomas worked in customer service, including in health care. A layoff in 2023 changed everything.

Thomas said that while job hunting, she was told, "We can't pay you what you're worth" or "We'd prefer a degree." "I remember how I felt, and it was not good."

She signed up for Texas Tech's online leadership program in the spring of 2024 through a transfer relationship with McLennan Community College because she wanted to improve her credentials. She was able to match her schoolwork with her family duties because of the flexible format.

Thomas stood out to faculty members because she used real-world experience and military leadership principles in class discussions and projects.

Raynie Gibbs, associate director of the School of Professional Studies, said, "She brought a lot of knowledge to the online classroom and was a positive presence for all of her classmates."

When the price of travel and regalia threatened to preclude the 100% distance student from going to graduation, school authorities stepped in to let her fully participate in the ceremony, including her honors and veteran stoles.

Thomas is thinking about getting an online Master of Business Administration now that he has a degree in human resources development and organizational leadership.

She told other veterans who were thinking about going back to school, "It did not matter how I got here. "I made it there, and so can you.