Tackling a college degree takes energy and focus, even for 20-year-olds. Meet one determined student who graduated after 50 as a single mother!
Lisa Stanley Tucker is an HSE Associate at ConocoPhillips. She’s always been a busy working mom with hobbies in interior design and crafts. “Lisa is famous for her spotless home, love for animals and her big heart,” says Chris Koehn, Lisa’s best friend since 1981. “I’ve watched her raise two children, always putting everyone else first. She’s certainly been there for me through the years, and it’s fantastic to see her finally reach a personal milestone and graduate with honors from Belhaven University.”
It seemed like an unreachable goal. Lisa was born in Houston and moved to Katy in 1973. She attended Katy ISD schools and graduated from Katy High School in 1979. After completing an Associates Degree at Tyler Junior College, she married and began raising a family. As is common, life got in the way. Between work and family obligations, there never seemed to be enough time to fulfill the dream of completing a bachelor’s degree. “I have a deep Christian faith, and that’s what has kept me going through life’s mountains and valleys,” she states. She has always prayed on a daily basis for strength, courage, guidance, healthy kids and family unity . . . and in the back of her mind also prayed that one day, that elusive four-year university diploma would be hers.
Why was the degree so important to her? “It was a personal goal,” says Lisa. “I always wanted a degree in business, and I wanted to demonstrate to my children that feats of faith are possible.”
As the decades flew by, Lisa’s children progressed through elementary, junior high and high school — in Katy ISD, just as she did. Her dream briefly faded, especially when she entered the difficult realm of single motherhood. But her prayers were answered in the form of inspiration — and a bit of freedom. When her youngest became a bit more independent, all of the sudden the world opened up. “It dawned on me when my son Travis was a sophomore (and driving) that earning a four-year degree was achievable.” She took the brave step — financially and time-wise — of enrolling a Belhaven, choosing a Christian University. “It was important to me to be in a supportive Christian environment,” says Lisa. She attended classes while working full time at ConocoPhillips and seeing her son graduate from Cinco Ranch High.
In April 2012, Lisa graduated with honors from Belhaven with a degree in Business Administration. That she made the Honor Society is just another layer of icing on the cake, and another admirable feat of faith.
Now, in addition to working she enjoys spending quality time with her friends, decorating and gardening. Lisa has recently enrolled in a sewing class to fulfill another long-time desire. And her family is especially proud that this mom’s testimony is inspirational to others who want to complete goals later in life.
