Against All Odds Jackson Set to Graduate May 5

MOUNT OLIVE – Kimberly Jackson knows a thing or two about overcoming incredible odds. She defeated cervical cancer twice as a mother of twin girls, only missing four days of work in the process. She then had a terrible scare when doctors found a tumor in her daughter’s right ear. Thankfully, her daughter turned out to be fine, and Jackson was finally able to move forward with her life. “My decision to return to school was because getting my four year degree was a goal that I had set.  Also as a cancer survivor, I feel God left me on this earth to better myself and my family.”

Jackson chose University of Mount Olive to earn her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education.  Attending college as a busy mother of two was no easy task, but Jackson praises her tight-knit, hardworking family with helping her achieve her dream. “My strategies for family and working were to depend on my wonderful parents and in-laws to pull some weight, in which they did gratefully.  I love them for it and can never repay them.  My husband has always been my backbone and did what he could even though he was working 40-70 hours per week.”

Jackson believes she will be able to use her experiences at University of Mount Olive to transform her life.  “My degree from University of Mount Olive will give me confidence in myself, and I will be able to apply for better paying jobs.” There is no telling what the future may hold, but Jackson is certain University of Mount Olive has given her the tools necessary to succeed in all her endeavors.

Jackson is one of approximately 370 students scheduled to graduate from University of Mount Olive on May 5.  Graduation exercises are scheduled for 2:00 PM in the George and Annie Dail Kornegay Arena.  The commencement speaker will be North Carolina General Assembly Representative Efton M. Sager.

University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The College, sponsored by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists, has locations in Mount Olive, New Bern, Wilmington, Goldsboro, Research Triangle Park, Washington and Jacksonville.  For more information, visit www.moc.edu.