Menu
Dyersburg State Community College acknowledges student’s dedication to education
SPECIAL TO THE STATE GAZETTE
Dyersburg, Tennessee – In a remarkable testament to lifelong learning, Dyersburg State Community College (DSCC) acknowledges 86-year-old JW Burt, who has enrolled to pursue his passion for history.
Born and raised in McComb, Mississippi, Burt's journey of learning and growth flourished at Chamberlain-Hunt Academy, where he attended his sophomore and junior years and then graduated from McComb High School in 1956. After graduating from McComb High, JW enrolled at Tulane University, majoring in civil engineering. During his first term at Tulane University, Burt met and married his wife and started a family. Prioritizing providing for his family, JW entered the workforce and subsequently dedicated decades to the insurance industry, working at Mixon-Burt Insurance Agency until his retirement at 80 years old.
However, retirement was not the end of JW's educational pursuits. With a lifelong interest in history, he returned to the classroom, enrolling at Dyersburg State Community College. One of his daughters, a resident of Dyersburg, encouraged this decision, underscoring his family's support for his academic ambitions.
JW's return to college at age 86 inspires students and educators alike. He embodies the principle that learning is a lifelong endeavor. When asked to share advice for others contemplating a return to seek additional education or increase their skillsets, JW paraphrased a famous quote from Mahatma Gandhi, expressing his belief that "people should learn as if they will live forever."
Dr. Scott Cook, President of Dyersburg State, shared, “We feel incredibly honored that JW chose Dyersburg State to enroll and pursue his educational goal. JW’s academic journey reminds us all that the pursuit of knowledge has no age limit. Education is a lifelong journey; he leads the way with courage and determination.”
Dyersburg State Community College is thrilled to support JW Burt in his academic journey and looks forward to the unique perspectives and experiences he brings to the DSCC community. His story is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of education at any age.