August 1, 2012 (Houston) - Lisa Stanley Tucker (’12) is a recent graduate from Belhaven University’s Houston campus and has become a story of how a little faith can move mountains.
As a single mother of 50, choosing to go back to college is a feat of faith, no matter what age. “It was a personal goal,” said Tucker. “I always wanted a degree in business, and I wanted to demonstrate to my children that feats of faith are possible.”
After completing an associate degree at Tyler Junior College, she married and began raising a family. Between work and family obligations, the possibilities of earning her degree seemed out of reach. Years passed and her children progressed through elementary, junior high and high school.
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. “I have a deep Christian faith, and that’s what has kept me going through life’s mountains and valleys,” she states. Her dream briefly faded, but soon saw her prayers answered in the form of inspiration.
Tucker’s youngest became that spark of inspiration, when he became a bit more independent, the world suddenly opened up for Tucker. Seeing her youngest son begin driving and becoming independent as a sophomore, she realized the possibility of earning a degree is achievable.
She then took the step of enrolling in Belhaven Houston’s Adult Studies Program. “It was important to me to be in a supportive Christian environment,” says Lisa. She attended classes while working full time at ConocoPhillips and saw her son graduate from high school.
In April 2012, she graduated with honors from Belhaven University with a degree in Business Administration. She was also inducted into the Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society.
Chris Koehn, Lisa’s best friend since 1981, said, “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.”
Belhaven stands among the select Christian colleges and universities that offer a unique general core curriculum encouraging the development of a personal worldview. The university believes a Christian worldview is a key to preparing men and women academically and spiritually to serve Christ Jesus in their careers, in human relationships, and in the world of ideas.
Founded in 1883, Belhaven University now serves over 3,000 students from campuses in Jackson, Memphis, Orlando, Houston, Chattanooga, Atlanta and online, offering traditional undergraduate degrees, graduate and adult degree programs, and online degree programs.