JACKSON - Hattiesburg Mayor Johnny DuPree, his wife and his daughter were among more than 350 graduates to receive degrees Saturday at Jackson State University's summer commencement.
DuPree earned an executive doctorate from one of JSU's newest programs, Urban Higher Education. His wife, Johneice, received a master's degree in early childhood education, and his daughter, Monica, earned a master's in elementary education.
"It was an experience, but it drew the three of us closer," Johnny DuPree said of tackling tough classes while his family did the same. "It's amazing how much you can accomplish when you all have the same goal."
Things were hectic for the family while they all juggled school and their jobs. They fought over use of the computer and got on each other's nerves, but also "leaned and depended on each other," Johneice DuPree said. That family support is what held them together.
"We really helped each other," she said. "Now we're looking for graduation gifts to go all around. It's an exciting time for us."
Johnny DuPree was a part of the largest graduating doctorate class in JSU history. Earning his doctorate at 52, the lawmaker came to education late.
"I've always had an interest in education. I visit schools at least once a week," he said. "If I tell people how important it is to get an education, I should be getting an education, too."
The Urban Higher Education degree program was approved three years ago by the College Board. JSU is one of three institutions in the country that has degrees in the field.
"It's an accelerated program aimed at training professionals and mid-level managers," said Dorris Gardner, dean of JSU's Division of Graduate Studies.
JSU offers graduate studies programs. Gardner said the programs have become so popular that only two Historically Black Colleges and Universities - Howard and Morgan State - graduate more people with doctorate degrees.
"It challenged me to think and to produce a high quality of work, but it was still manageable."
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