Full Circle: How Ella Stanley Proved It’s Never Too Late to Finish What You Started

Ella Stanley’s Story: A Journey of Purpose, Perseverance, and Return

Ella Stanley began her collegiate journey at Morgan State University in January 1979, majoring in Business Education with the goal of becoming a teacher. Office procedures and business concepts came naturally to her, building on strengths she developed in high school. Like many students balancing life and learning, Ella’s plans shifted when changes in her family life required her full attention. After stepping away from college, she married and welcomed a daughter who was born prematurely, demanding significant time and care due to health challenges.

True to her original intention, Ella returned to higher education once her daughter’s health stabilized and she reached school age. This time, she enrolled in a community college, earning two associate degrees and securing a position with the State of Maryland. Determined to complete her bachelor’s degree, Ella achieved this milestone at age 44, while working full-time, completing an internship, and raising two daughters as a single parent. Her accomplishment stood as a testament to resilience and unwavering commitment.

Ella’s ambition didn’t stop there. She pursued graduate coursework at multiple institutions, but financial limitations, increased professional responsibilities following a promotion, and family obligations made it difficult to finish her master’s degree. When one institution closed before she could formally begin the program, her academic journey paused once again, but never ended.

After a 35-year successful career with the State of Maryland and a recent contractual role with another state agency, Ella found herself at a moment of clarity. With retirement behind her and purpose ahead, she knew it was time to return to where it all began, Morgan State University. As an active member of the Morgan State University Alumni Association Eastern Shore of Maryland Alumni Chapter, Ella has remained deeply connected to the institution she calls the “National Treasure.” Completing her master’s degree at Morgan represents more than an academic achievement; it brings her journey full circle.

With her graduate degree, Ella plans to establish a nonprofit organization and explore additional business ventures. More importantly, she hopes her story inspires others who may be questioning whether it’s “too late” to return to school. Her message is clear: life experience is an asset, challenges are part of the process, and perseverance makes transformation possible.

Ella encourages adult learners to stay focused, manage their time intentionally, and lean on their support systems, family, friends, and the university community. Obstacles, she says, should be seen as opportunities for growth, not reasons to stop. Every milestone deserves celebration.

Ready to Finish What You Started?

If you see yourself in Ella's story and are ready to return to college, advance your career, or complete a degree you once put on hold, the College of Interdisciplinary and Continuing Studies is here to support you every step of the way.

Apply today and take the next step toward your own full-circle moment.