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Community Corner

Local Success Story: Higher Education, Higher Goals

A 62-year-old barber earned his college degree in Minnetonka.

Thursday, June 23 was a big night for William “Bill” Jernigan, a barber who, at 62-years-old, just earned his associate degree as a health fitness specialist from the Minnesota School of Business.

The father of seven children ranging from 18-years-old to their mid-40s, Jernigan is the first in his family to receive a postsecondary diploma.

“I am the only one to graduate of all my kids and brothers and sisters,” he said. “I wanted to show them that it can be done.” 

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Jernigan was born in Mississippi and lived in Chicago before moving to Minnesota when he was 29. He worked odd jobs for 20-some years, and then got a barber’s license. He had been talking with a friend and workout partner for a couple of years about going back to school, and finally made the decision to do so in 2008.

“I saw a commercial for the MSB Health and Fitness program, and finally called the number on the screen,” he said.

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When asked why he chose the health specialist major in the school’s health fitness program, Jernigan pointed to his experience with and belief in the importance of working out.

“We both decided that best way we can help folks and help the population is with physical fitness,” he said.

Jernigan’s goal is to help people and the world via health and fitness training.

At the graduation ceremony, which was held at the Sheraton hotel in Minnetonka, Jernigan was a graduate speaker. He was introduced to the events attendees with praise for his hard work, determination, and perseverance. 

“I urge anyone who’s thought about further education to just do it,” Jernigan said in his address to his class, clad in his royal blue gown. “If I can do it at my age, anyone can. Age is not a defining factor!”

His words were met with cheers and applause from family members watching and from his classmates.

“My brother just graduated! He did it!” said one of Jernigan’s brothers excitedly once outside the ceremony. 

Jernigan was admired at MSB for his good-hearted and driven nature. Allison Broeren, the student services coordinator at the school, said she and everyone working with Jernigan really looked up to his work ethic and his progress.

“He just worked really hard to get through it,” she said. “He didn’t know what a computer mouse was, and he learned to work with the computers and keep up with his classmates.”

Broeren also admires that Jernigan wanted a degree so that he could continue to serve his North Minneapolis community.

“He really wants to give something back to the community he’s part of,” she said.

Matt Marek, communications specialist for MSB, said Jernigan has done extensive volunteer work in his community and at t, a non-profit rehabilitation center that works to empower people with disabilities to realize their full potential in every aspect of life. He too admires Jernigan for his decision to come back to school and graduate.

“He’s so interesting to sit down and talk to,” said Marek of Jernigan. “His big thing about getting his degree was that he wanted to show his kids that it’s never too late to go back. That was a big motivating factor for him – setting an example for his kids.”

“Everyone is a big fan of his,” said Broeren. “Everyone’s been rooting for him this whole time.”

When asked what his next big plans are now that he’s a college graduate and certified fitness specialist, Jernigan said he’s looking into many things fitness-related, such as helping others with their personal training.

“Stay tuned!” he said.

 

 

 

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