Mother and Daughter to Earn Their Degrees Simultaneously on May 9
Historically, a number of WCU employees earn their degrees while employed here, like
Jasmine Worrell, who will earn her undergraduate degree in interdisciplinary studies
on Saturday, May 9.
Worrell’s achievement comes with a bonus: At the same time and at the same ceremony, her daughter Zayla Dutton will earn dual degrees in biochemistry and chemistry.
An administrative assistant in the office of the dean of the College of the Sciences and Mathematics (CSM), Worrell is also completing two minors this semester: women’s and gender studies and psychology. She started her college journey by earning an associate’s degree in 2004 from Delaware County Community College, then took some courses while working at Immaculata University. After several breaks while raising a family and working (including as a paraprofessional for the West Chester Area School District), she resumed her undergraduate coursework not long after taking a position at WCU in 2021.
CSM Dean Dr. Jessica OShaughnessy is one of Worrell’s supporters. Worrell said she’s been supported in her academic journey by a number of other WCU employees, including her sister-in-law, Tara Easterling, who’s coordinator for community standards with the University’s Residence Life and Housing Services. She also made fast friends with some of her colleagues in the WCU Admissions Office, where she worked in 2016 and 2017: Carolyn Evans, who’s now a clerical assistant 2 in the Global Engagement Office, and Mary Oswald, an administrative assistant in admissions. It’s indicative of the supportive nature among WCU employees.
Dutton is earning two degrees, one in biochemistry and the other in chemistry. “After I graduate, I plan to look for lab jobs that focus on green energy planning through either organic chemistry or inorganic chemistry,” she said. “After a year being post-grad, I want to look into maybe getting my Ph.D. in inorganic chemistry.”
Worrell is also considering a post-graduate degree, looking at further studies in women’s and gender studies or higher education administration. This time, with the support of her WCU friends, it should take a lot less than 20-some years.
Worrell and Dutton are participating in the Kente ceremony on Thursday, May 7, at 6 p.m. in Hollinger Field House. They will earn their degrees together on Saturday, May 9, at the 12:30 p.m. commencement ceremony in Hollinger.