Standing before family, friends and fellow graduates, Kemp Childress received his hood during Rasmussen University's Florida Commencement ceremony. In this moment, he marked the latest milestone in a lifelong commitment to learning that has spanned more than five decades.
At 70 years-old, Childress recently earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Rasmussen University while continuing to work full time at Moffitt Cancer Center. For him, the degree is another chapter in a professional journey defined by adaptability, perseverance and a willingness to embrace change.
"I'm 70, but I still enjoy the work and the people," Childress says. "As long as I'm learning and contributing, I plan to keep going."
A career built on continuous growth
Childress first entered college more than 50 years ago, beginning a journey that would take him from pharmacy to healthcare leadership and eventually into information technology.
He earned a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy at a time when the profession required only four years of study. But as healthcare evolved, Childress quickly learned that staying relevant meant continuing to learn.
"As I kept going, I realized I had to keep updating myself just to stay current," he says.
That mindset led him back to school repeatedly—first for a master's degree in administration and later for a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) as industry standards evolved.
The decision to pursue his doctorate came during one of the busiest periods of his life.
"I was working full time, had young children and was going to school full time—I don't even know how I did it," Childress says. "It was stressful."
Yet those challenges only reinforced a lesson that would guide him throughout his career: growth often requires stepping outside your comfort zone.
Embracing unexpected opportunities
Over the course of his career, Childress spent 15 years with a global pharmaceutical and biotechnology company, holding leadership roles in medical writing, healthcare education, convention management and digital communications. Along the way, he navigated multiple corporate mergers and industry shifts.
"I went through about three mergers," he says. "You learn a lot about change."
Those experiences helped prepare him for an even bigger professional shift. Despite beginning his career in pharmacy, Childress eventually transitioned into information technology leadership, something he never envisioned when he first entered college.
"You always think you're going to be what you come out of school as—and you never do," Childress notes. "I never thought I would end up in IT. That wasn't the plan, but that's where I transitioned."
His career reflects that reality: paths rarely stay linear, and often evolve in unexpected directions as industries, technologies and opportunities change.
A Master’s of Business Administration (MBA)
Most recently, Childress returned to school to pursue an MBA through Rasmussen University, taking advantage of education benefits offered by his employer, Moffitt Cancer Center.
Adding to the experience was the opportunity to pursue graduate education alongside his direct supervisor, who was also working toward a master's degree.
"It was meaningful going through my master’s program at the same time as my supervisor—we were both working toward the same goal," Childress said.
The experience provided encouragement and accountability while reinforcing a culture of learning within their workplace.
Learning has no expiration date
Today, Childress views his MBA as another tool that will help him continue contributing professionally. He is already applying his business education through contract work in the insurance industry while remaining engaged in his career.
Looking back, he sees a common thread connecting every stage of his journey: a willingness to learn, adapt and grow.
"You never really stop learning, you just keep adapting as things change around you," he says.
That philosophy has guided Childress through decades of professional change, family responsibilities and evolving industry expectations. It also serves as an inspiration for fellow adult learners who may be considering returning to school later in life.
For Childress, commencement was simply the latest example of a lesson he has lived for decades: learning is not defined by age, title or career stage. It's a lifelong pursuit.
Afterall, life is going to take many twists and turns you don’t expect! But education is part of the journey where you get to set the path and choose the direction. If something has been holding you back from pursuing the education you want, check out I Want to Go Back to School But … [Insert Reason Here].
