Dianna Melton, 50-year-old Roane State graduate attends MTSU
50-year-old Roane State graduate plans to dive into college life at MTSU. Dianna Melton of Crossville does not believe in the words “too late.”
When the 50-year-old Roane State graduate goes to Middle Tennessee State University in the fall, she plans to immerse herself in college life. She’s going to move into a dormitory and live with all the other students as she pursues her bachelor’s degree in business education and computer information systems.
“Absolutely not,” Melton responded when asked if it was too late for her to go to college. “Because I’ve done so well, my daughter started college, and she’s 24.”
Her move to MTSU will be much easier, thanks to the efforts of the Cumberland County Elks Lodge. The lodge donated a wheelchair ramp for Melton’s vehicle. Melton has spinal stenosis and has difficulty walking.
Melton, who graduated in May, has volunteered at Roane State’s Cumberland County campus during her time as a student. She has helped with a variety of big and small jobs, especially troubleshooting computers, and she calls Roane State “my home.”
“I’m going to come back and teach,” she said. One of the lessons she could share would be about determination, no matter your age or circumstances. “I’ve taken care of myself since I was 11,” she said. “You’ve got to do what you’ve got to do.”
For more information, contact the Cumberland County campus at (931) 456-9880, or toll free at 1-866-GO2-RSCC (1-866-462-7722), ext. 4532. Or, visit www.roanestate.edu and click on the “Go here. Get there.” logo. Fall classes begin Aug. 29.