AFRICA | A determined 65-year-old man named Jerome McFadden has proven that learning truly has no age limit after graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity from Augusta University, fulfilling a dream he set for himself nearly a decade ago.
Jerome's Story and How He Did It
Jerome’s journey did not begin at Augusta University; it began decades earlier. He grew up loving storytelling, even serving as the editor of his high school newspaper during a summer journalism program at the University of South Carolina.
That experience inspired him to return years later to earn his first degree in Media Arts, with a minor in Broadcast Journalism, in 1982.
After working in radio and television across South and North Carolina, he left the media industry in search of a career with stronger retirement prospects. A friend encouraged him to consider the military, and because Jerome had been part of his high school’s ROTC, the transition felt natural.
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He enlisted in the United States Army as a helicopter mechanic, later joining Officer Candidate School, before life setbacks interrupted his progress.
Still, Jerome stayed focused on his long-term goal: to retire honorably from the military.
He reenlisted, continued to grow, and after 24 years of service, he officially retired in 2011 as a Sergeant First Class.
After leaving the Army, Jerome returned home to South Carolina to spend precious time with his mother before her passing. Later, he and his wife relocated to Augusta, Georgia, and a new chapter began.
It was in Augusta that Jerome first heard conversations about cybersecurity, a field he knew little about but immediately found fascinating.
With support from Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Services, a program that supports disabled veterans, Jerome enrolled at Augusta Technical College, where he earned his associate degree with honors.
This program acted as the scholarship-like support he needed: Vocational Rehabilitation covered his educational costs when he had no remaining GI Bill benefits, ensuring he could continue his academic journey.
“I’m proud I stuck with it.” Encouraged by his success, Jerome decided to aim higher. “I might as well go and get a bachelor’s degree. I applied, I was accepted, and here I am,” he recalled.
At Augusta University’s School of Computer and Cyber Sciences, Jerome became known as an active, inquisitive, and highly engaged student.
His instructor, Steven Weldon, who shares a similar background and age, described him as a true lifelong learner who positively influences everyone in the classroom. Jerome credits his advisors, professors, and classmates for motivating him to excel.
Although he aimed to be among the best in his classes, he also understood his limitations, which made him unafraid to ask for help. And when classmates needed support, he offered it freely.
Jerome says his journey has been shaped by both challenges and resilience. He is a proud father of four, a grandfather of nine, and a great-grandfather of one. To him, completing this degree at 65 is more than a personal accomplishment; it’s a legacy.
“I want them to see me go through it so they can set their goals. As long as they do that, they can accomplish whatever they put their minds to,” he said.
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