Darlene Mullins always taught her children to finish what they started, which is why the 72-year-old grandmother of 4 just graduated from Tennessee State University after cutting her college career short 55 years ago.
Darlene attended TSU in 1962 and was a rising track star gearing up to participate in the 1964 Olympics. “Wilma Rudolph was my idol and I was well on my way,” she said in an interview with TSU Newsroom.
However, while in school she met and fell in love with John Mullins. Darlene first noticed John “in the stands” during practices and training. The two met and their relationship blossomed. So much that her track coach gave Darlene an ultimatum: either his track team or John Mullins.
Darlene chose John. `
John got a job in Dallas and Darlene went with him to start their new life together after getting married.
With the thought of finishing school in the back of her mind, Darlene started her own career as a businesswoman and later became an owner of a salon and spa. She also had two children with John.
“Something kept nagging at me,” she said. “I always told my my children to make sure they finish what they started and I kind of felt it was time to live up to my own advice.”
With her children being adults and the passing of a sick aunt, Darlene said to John: “Take me back to where we met.”
“She gave up everything for me,” John said, “so now it was my time to follow her.”
Darlene and her husband moved back to Nashville in July 2013 so she could pursue her degree in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in African studies and communications.
Darlene adjusted to campus life, which included learning to register for her classes online and getting used to much younger classmates. Her classmates affectionately called her Ms. D, Mama, Nana and Gramma.
At times, she took up to 20 credit hours per semester. Mullins completed her degree in four years and will graduate summa cum laude. She’s also a member of three honor societies including Phi Kappa Phi for “those with GPAs higher than 3.75.
“My graduation from college, for me, confirms that i completed what I started more than 50 years ago,” said Mullins. “I am happy.”
This past Saturday, Darlene participated in the school’s undergraduate commencement ceremony Saturday, and we’re extremely proud of her. Congratulations!
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