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Published December 11, 2025

CAPTION: LaFaye Price, 75, becomes one of the oldest graduates in the history of ULM. Her journey is marked by perseverance, the love of her family, and the support of ULM faculty.

Photos by Alaina Herron, ULM Office of Marketing and Communications 

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By Adam McDonald, ULM Office of Marketing and Communications

Every day, millions of people mull over the “what ifs?” of their lives: “What if I had taken that job? What if I had moved to that city? What if I had finished my degree?”  

That last “what if?” is no longer a mystery to 75-year-old Monroe resident LaFaye Price. On Saturday, Price will walk across the stage at Fant-Ewing Coliseum and receive her bachelor’s degree in general studies from ULM, making her one of the oldest graduates in the history of the university.  

An accomplishment decades in the making, Price says her graduation wouldn’t have been possible without the support and encouragement of her family and a drive to finish that never went away.  

Born in Farmerville in 1950, Barbara LaFaye Price moved to Monroe after marrying in 1969 at the age of 19. She spent her 20s and 30s raising her three children, Dee Dee, Nichole, and Christopher, with her husband, Roy Price.  

In the late 1980s, when her youngest child had entered junior high, Price began the journey to her bachelor’s degree at ULM (then NLU). She worked toward her degree for a couple of years, juggling on-campus classes and a full-time job as secretary and bookkeeper at Calvary Baptist Church, along with her children’s extracurricular activities. “I have to admit I just felt defeated,” said Price. “I had to let something go, and it wasn’t going to be my kids.” At that point, Price put her college career on hold and focused on her family and her work.   

Throughout the next three decades, the thought of finishing her degree was always in the back of Price’s mind. Her children married, which led to eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren (so far). Life moved forward, but she always knew she wanted to earn her diploma.  

In 2021, Price re-enrolled at ULM. “I just decided I’m going to do this and get it done,” she said. She started out with the goal of obtaining her associate’s degree, which she earned in the fall of 2022. She then decided the associate’s degree wasn’t enough, so she continued toward her bachelor’s degree in general studies.  

During this time, Price has continued to work full-time as an administrative assistant at East Ouachita Middle School, where she has been for nine years, after working for five years at Ouachita Junior High.  

“I’ve had some people ask me, ‘Why are you doing this to yourself?’, and I tell them I feel like I’m doing this for myself, not to myself,” said Price. She encourages others who are considering going back to college to “just do it.” 

Many people choose to pursue their education because they are inspired by someone they love. LaFaye Price cites her older sister as part of her inspiration to earn her degree. Price’s sister was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and currently lives in a memory care facility in Georgia. Her sister holds several degrees, including a master’s, and always encouraged Price to finish her education. “I was able to tell her what I was doing while she was still able to understand it, and it made her very happy,” said Price. “It’s a joy to me to be able to make her happy.”  

Price also recognizes her children as a constant source of encouragement. Her two daughters are in education, and both received master’s degrees from ULM, while her son works in manufacturing and teaches industrial safety classes.  

Dee Dee Wiles, Price’s oldest daughter, says she is extremely proud to watch her mother graduate with her bachelor’s degree. “She truly loves to learn and thrives on staying academically active, engaging with her professors and fellow students,” said Wiles.  

Price’s youngest daughter, Nichole Crim, shares her sister’s pride in their mother. “She is very inspirational to me and others. She has encouraged me to be a lifelong learner and to always be brave enough to try hard things,” said Crim.  

“I am very proud of my mother’s accomplishment,” said Christopher Price. “I wish she had done it sooner, but I am glad that she finally did something for herself after taking care of everyone else,” he added.  

Both sisters say they have enjoyed having detailed discussions with their mother about her classes and assignments. “We’ve had some lively debates, and I genuinely feel that I’ve benefited from her decision to return to school. We encourage her by listening, offering words of affirmation, and reminding her that we fully support her,” said Wiles. “I love listening to her share about what she is learning, what she is reading, and comments from her professors. She doesn’t just do the work; she does it to the best of her ability and holds herself to very high standards,” added Crim.  

While Price’s classes have been taken online, she said she has greatly enjoyed the interaction with her fellow students who are in different times of their lives. She’s also made it a point to experience a bit of campus life by enjoying regular meals at Shulze Dining Hall, often with her family. “She absolutely lights up when she is there,” said Wiles.  

With two degrees now to her name, Price has not slowed down and is currently pursuing her third, a master’s degree in gerontology with a concentration in grief management, which she hopes to complete in the fall of 2026. She became interested in the field while taking classes for her general studies degree and decided to keep going.  

“I want this degree because I want to be able to help people. I want to be of assistance. Even if it is just volunteering at different places, I just want to help,” said Price. As part of her coursework, she has volunteered at a local senior living facility, which reminds her of her sister.  “Somehow I’m connected to my sister through this whole process,” said Price.  

When asked how it feels to be one of the oldest graduates in ULM history, Price says, "It makes me feel good because I feel like I’ve accomplished something so many people could if they would just do it.” 

“It’s been a good ride. I’ve had a lot of great professors,” said Price, noting that Dr. Robyn Jordan, Assistant Professor of Gerontology, has been “so encouraging.” “She writes great comments, and not just one comment; she goes the extra mile,” added Price.  

“I love having Mrs. Price in my classes,” said Jordan. “She brings a unique perspective to her work and participation in the class, one informed by her life experience and wisdom gained along the way. It’s obvious that hers is a life well-lived.”  

“I am so thankful for the wonderful professors at ULM who have been so gracious and kind to my mom throughout her college journey,” said Crim.  Wiles agreed, adding, “My heart is filled with gratitude for the professors who have shown patience, kindness, and encouragement, helping her achieve accomplishments she once only dreamed of.”  

Price says the support and encouragement of her children have carried her through her educational journey. “It’s meant so much. They’re really pleased. They feel like I’m living out a dream I needed to do,” said Price.  

Price says her new degree and the master’s she is pursuing won’t change her current career path. “I really like what I do,” said Price, of her job at East Ouachita. “I have no plans for retirement." She is hopeful that her current studies in grief management could allow her to be helpful to students at her school who need assistance.  

In her spare time, Price continues to serve in a volunteer capacity as a secretary and bookkeeper for Calvary Baptist Church, where she was full-time for 40 years. She also served as an organist during that time and served as worship leader and choir director for over 15 years, until recently stepping down from that role. She says she will also continue to pursue her passion of playing golf for as long as she is able. “I’m not good at golf, but I love it. It’s one of the most peaceful times for me and a wonderful getaway,” said Price.  

Price’s legacy of life-long learning is evident in the way her children speak about her experience. “I think others could learn a lot from her. We can all find something we are passionate about and find ways to continue to grow and learn,” said Crim.  

“Seeing her reach this milestone—and immediately set and pursue a new one—reminds me that it’s never too late to take a leap, whether in education, travel, a career, or anything your heart desires. I’m so excited for her to accomplish her dreams,” said Wiles. “She spent so many years caring for her family, and now she is finally taking time to care for herself and follow her own passions. I love her deeply, and it is an honor to call her not only my mother, but also my best friend.” 

For LaFaye Price, the “what if?” has been answered. She has accomplished something she has always wanted to do and is now feeling the gratification of the reward.  

“It’s made me feel good about myself. It’s made me hopeful that I have the ability to help other people. That’s my goal in life, to help people.”