Debbie Thomas sold her Century 21 real estate business at age 52 and enrolled in William Woods University's undergraduate equestrian science program. Saturday, she will be one of three students to graduate with WWU's new online master of education degree in equestrian education, according to a university press release.
Thomas started riding when she was six years old. She owned her first horse at age 10 and owned a 35-stall barn for eight years, according to the release.
"I had all the tools, but didn't have the degree," Thomas said in the release. "I had owned horses and I had shown horses; I sought my degree with the intention to teach."
WWU created the master of education degree in equestrian education to "meet the growing need for accredited faculty in today's equestrian education industry," the release stated.
The university will hold its December commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday in Cutlip Auditorium. The commencement speaker will be Caroline Boyer Ferhat. Ferhat received the 2014 Louis D. Beaumont Dad's Association Distinguished Professor Award for Excellence in Teaching.
WWU will recognize 491 graduates Saturday at its December commencement ceremony. Three students Saturday will receive an Associate of Arts, 11 will receive Bachelor of Arts, one will receive Bachelor of Fine Arts, 73 will receive Bachelor of Science, 64 will receive Master of Business Administration, 230 will receive Master of Education, 103 will receive Education Specialist and six will receive Doctor of Education degrees.