By By Adam Prestridge
special to the standard
A unique program partnering Huntingdon College and Jefferson Davis Community College has George Hendricks within weeks of completing a four-year degree — 25 years after he earned his associate’s degree and started a family and career.
Five students in Huntingdon’s adult degree completion program are set to complete their curriculum Aug. 20 and will participate in commencement activities in May 2010 with several other students from the Brewton program and others across the state.
Rosemary Jernigan, site coordinator for Huntingdon College, said the students have grown close as they have taken classes together.
Huntingdon began its Adult Degree Completion Program in Brewton in January 2008. Classes are held every five weeks, with each semester encompassing 15 weeks. Students with an associate’s degree can complete their bachelor’s in two years, taking one night class per week or can double up on some classes and finish as quickly as one year. Jernigan said in order to double up in the program students must receive permission and maintain a 3.0 GPA.
The program held a dinner recently at the Country Club of Brewton to honor the future graduates and celebrate with their professors and families.
Tommy Dismukes, director of the adult degree completion program for Huntingdon College, thanked each student for their participation in the program, which he said has ultimately helped it succeed in Brewton.
Thirty-four students are currently enrolled in classes, which are held on the Jefferson Davis Community College campus in Brewton, Jernigan said.
Those graduating Aug. 20 include Detrick Riley and Jennifer Prestridge of Atmore, Flomaton’s George Hendricks and Ginger Halford and A.J. Daughtery of Brewton.
Hendricks said the program afforded him an opportunity that he thought had passed him by after he received his associate’s degree in 1984 and began a family and career, never completing his degree.
Jennifer Pollitte said the program was easy to fit into her busy schedule as a wife and a mother of six.
Jernigan also recognized Prestridge and Hendricks for maintaining a 4.0 GPA throughout the entire program.
Each graduate was presented with a Huntingdon College picture frame with calendar and leather-bound portfolio.