Savannah State University News December 8, 2018 Mother returns to SSU to finish degree "If it's important to you, you'll do it." For nearly a year, SaVaughn Irons has been driving to campus from Atlanta to finish her degree in political science. Irons first became a Savannah State Tiger in 2007. She withdrew in 2011 when she became pregnant. Her daughter, Jael, is now six years old and Irons decided it was time to go back. In January, she was readmitted and has made the drive each week. "I've never seen a student with as much determination as SaVaughn has," said Geoff Bowden, Ph.D.<https://www.savannahstate.edu/profiles/profile.aspx?n=Geoffrey_Bowden>, assistant professor and program coordinator of political science. He helped her navigate the readmission process and meet all the degree requirements. "She's overcome a lot, and should serve as a model for all students who are thinking about coming back to school to finish a degree. It can be done, and the professors at Savannah State are here to help you get it done." Her grandfather and father both worked in city planning and economic development and Irons is aiming for a similar career. She worked in records support for DeKalb County and interned for a firm working on rezoning in the Atlanta area. "I needed a change. I know I'm intelligent. It's been tough but I have come too far. I know I have what it takes." Irons is certain her daughter getting to see her graduate will influence her. The two do their homework side by side. "She will know I didn't give up. And she will know there is no excuse." SANDRA M. PHOENIX HBCU Library Alliance Executive Director Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library 111 James P. Brawley Drive SW Atlanta, GA 30314 404-978-2118 (office) 404-702-5854 (cell) http://www.hbculibraries.org/ sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org%3cmailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org>> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance1/ and Twitter https://twitter.com/HBCULibAlliance Check out "PULSE!" The HBCU Library Alliance's News Source! - https://hbculibraryalliance.wordpress.com/