POTEAU, Okla. — Born in Coal Hill, Arkansas, in 1928, one of Ronald Bartlett's first lessons was "You worked, or you didn't eat." So Ronald worked for over 70 years, and now, at 96, he's completed a different kind of journey, one ending with a technology degree.
Carl Albert State College (CASC) in Poteau welcomed Bartlett to the graduation stage on May 11, 2024, almost 70 years after he began his college education using his GI bill following his service in the military.
Bartlett was never granted a degree in the '50s due to problems with class credits, but after his family reached out to the college about combining his college and workforce course credits with his military education, he became the fourth oldest person in the U.S. to earn a degree, according to CASC.
The college grad was joined by five generations of family members as he threw up his cap.
When asked how it felt to get a degree at 96, Bartlett describes an "out of this world" feeling, like a dream coming true. Bartlett told the college he plans to celebrate his new degree "with my family and closest friends (who are still alive)."
CASC President Dr. Jay Falkner said he was honored to present the degree to Bartlett, noting that "his participation made this year's commencement ceremony truly inspiring, we were honored to be part of his story."
Bartlett worked over 36 years for the cup company Dixie, while his wife worked as a CPA. Their savings earned them a hard-won retirement spent traveling "everywhere, with the last 18 years focused on Hawaii."
Bartlett wisely advises, "Whatever you do in life, do it the best you can." When asked what he'll do with his new degree, Bartlett responded "I may carry it and wave it around."
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