Baylor student overcomes tragic loss to earn doctorate — at age 83
When Carolyn Price’s mother told her, “There isn’t anything you can’t do,” she couldn’t have imagined the far-reaching those words would have on her daughter’s life — including becoming the oldest known doctoral recipient in Baylor history, at age 83.
Long before Baylor entered the picture, Price was following in her mother’s footsteps as an educator, community leader, and mother. She spent decades as a teacher in upstate New York, a businesswoman, and a lecturer at SUNY Cortland. And when the SUNY system instituted a new policy that all lecturers must have a doctoral degree, Price decided to go for it.
Living in a rural area before the prevalence of online opportunities, Price had long been unable to dedicate the time needed to pursue such a degree far from home. That changed with the advent of programs like those offered through Baylor Graduate and Professional Education. Price, who actually attended a leadership management seminar offered by Baylor’s Hankamer School of Business in 1979, learned of BU’s online doctor of education program and quickly knew it was for her
Not surprisingly, she was the oldest student in her cohort, but her age wasn’t the only challenge she would face along the way. Early in her studies, she suffered broken bones after being knocked down by a dog — a difficult physical challenge for an octogenarian. But then an even bigger tragedy came her way.
In December, Price lost both her husband of 61 years, Daniel, and her home in a fire. Amidst the grief, she remembered her mother’s words: “There isn’t anything you can’t do.” Calling her husband her “biggest cheerleader,” she finished her doctorate in his honor.
Through it all, Price demonstrated her Christian faith and determination in ways that those around her clearly felt.
When she officially receives her Doctorate of Education from Baylor this weekend, many will celebrate Price’s tremendous accomplishment. But far beyond that, her determination and courage in the face of trying circumstances will impact anyone around this incredible Baylor graduate.
Sic ’em, Carolyn Price!