“Sometimes later is greater:” Jawana Carter-Richardson’s Decade of “Mastery”

(NEW YORK, NY — MAY 16, 2024) When Jawana Carter-Richardson first decided to go back to school later in life, she was concerned her age would be a deterrent. She saw Empire State University’s flexible learning environment, tailored for adult students, as a way for her to achieve her goals. After applying and enrolling at Empire State University, her journey as a non-traditional student was met with unexpected obstacles, but her determination kept her focused on her goals. Upon her graduation on May 17, 2024, Richardson will be a four-time graduate with Empire State University, concluding a ten-year journey filled with academic achievement and immense personal adversity.

“When I got my acceptance letter, I was beside myself,” Carter-Richardson recalls. “I was nervous about coming back to school because I thought school was only for 18-year-olds and 20-somethings, I didn’t want to be the grandmother in the room. But when I went to the session, I was amazed and so excited to get started.”

Just one year into her studies, Carter-Richardson’s husband was killed by a drunk driver in a hit-and-run crash.

“That was going to end it all for me, I didn’t want a part in school anymore,” Carter-Richardson said.

Carter-Richardson took some time off from academics, but amidst her grief, she said her mentors at Empire State University never stopped reaching out and checking in.

“My advisor kept on me. She reached out very regularly, not to ask about schoolwork, but to check on me as a person,” Carter-Richardson said.

Carter-Richardson went back to taking classes and working towards an associate degree, graduating in 2016. But her academic journey was far from over. She then earned a bachelor’s degree in 2018, advanced graduate certificate in 2021, and a master’s degree in 2024.

“When I achieved my bachelor’s, I was in disbelief,” Carter-Richardson said. “This was all through fighting, through getting justice for my husband, being an advocate, lobbying for the laws to change, and doing so much being a widow. The beauty of it all was I could do it on my own terms.”

Carter-Richardson credits her mentors and professors, including Dr. AmyRuth Tobol, Dr. Betul Lus, and Dr. David Fullard, supporting her throughout her decade of academia. In addition to working full time, maintaining a home, and pursuing her degrees, she was extremely involved outside of class. She is the vice president and treasurer of the Black Male Initiative, sits on the executive board of the university’s alumni and board of governors, chair of the diversity committee, peer advisor, and board member of the peer mediation program. She is also a fierce advocate against drunk driving, working with Mothers Against Drunk Driving as a victim impact panelist, and advocating district attorneys for stronger laws against DWI and traffic violence in Albany, NY.

Throughout her time as a student, Carter-Richardson earned several accolades including the Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence, SUNY Empire’s Student Service Award, Alumni Community Impact Award, SUNY ACT for Excellence Award, and the MADD VIP Champion Award.

As she concludes her academic journey with Empire State University, Carter-Richardson said she is looking forward to taking time to enjoy life, travel, and find new ways to become involved in her community.

“Sometimes later is greater and for me, later was greater,” Richardson said. “Post-graduation, there are several great opportunities and offerings that await however, for now, I want to enjoy some well-deserved ‘me-time’ and travel to Paris and Dubai. One thing is for certain, I will stay closely connected to my SUNY Empire family. I have made some great connections and met lifelong friends during this journey.”