A few years ago, Lesa Voss sat in the audience at Ozarks Tech’s commencement, cheering as her son’s friends crossed the stage. Inspired by their achievements, she began to consider returning to college to finish her own degree.
It took some convincing, but soon, Lesa’s decision to continue her education will pay off when she graduates alongside her son, Robert-Thomas Gumersell.
Their shared college journey started at Ozarks Tech, where R.T. first found community through student groups like Politically Active and Phi Theta Kappa. Through these organizations, he gained confidence by taking on leadership and event planning roles.
Lesa noticed the change. As she watched her son thrive, she began to reflect on her own unfinished degree—and R.T. noticed her interest, too.
He encouraged his mom to return to school, despite her hesitation. As Lesa put it, “For every excuse I made, he had an answer.”
When cost was a concern, R.T. brought home a flyer for the Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant, which helps adults complete a degree or certification in high-need fields. More than 90 Ozarks Tech programs qualify.
The next day, Lesa enrolled.
Balancing classes with life wasn’t easy. Still, she kept showing up. One class at a time, she moved toward the goal she had postponed for years.
In 2024, Lesa watched with pride as R.T. delivered a commencement speech on behalf of Ozarks Tech to a crowd of thousands.
Over the next week, they’ll turn their tassels together. R.T. will graduate from Missouri State University with a bachelor’s in communications and plans to pursue his MBA. Lesa will earn an Associate of Arts in General Studies from Ozarks Tech.
“I never expected us to finish college at the same time,” R.T. said.
For Lesa, the timing couldn’t be more perfect. She wants others to know that it is never too late to start. “You aren’t late,” she said. “You’re right on time.”
Photo courtesy Staff Photographer Kristina Bridges