Inspired by daughter’s degree, MTSU adult learner taps PLA program to close in on her own [+VIDEO]

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — When Toscha McClain’s daughter Tre’ce graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in 2020, it was a lightbulb moment for the health care worker. She had always dreamed of earning a degree, and in that moment she knew it was time to start that journey for herself.

“Watching my kids succeed in college solidified the importance of education,” said McClain, whose son Marcus graduated from the University of Tennessee in 2022. “It inspired me to continue exploring how I was going to reach this goal I had set for myself so long ago.”

Middle Tennessee State University nontraditional student Toscha McClain, top, is shown here in a chemistry class with a fellow classmate in this undated photo on the MTSU campus in Murfreesboro, Tenn. McClain returned to school in her 50s and is set to earn her bachelor’s degree in professional studies in the fall. (Submitted photo)

A Rutherford County native, McClain has always been a thorough researcher and wanted to be sure she considered all her options. When it came time to decide where to attend college, she was surprised to find the best choice right down the street.

“I had always heard about the nursing programs at MTSU since I worked in health care,” she said. “None of the other colleges around here could compete when it came to the ratio of students to teachers. And then when MTSU made the Princeton Review list — I had no idea my hometown college was receiving that type of recognition.”

Toscha McClain, professional studies major, Class of 2024 (Submitted photo) — Toscha McClain

Cathy Delametter, manager, Prior Learning Assessment, University College — Cathy Delametter

McClain enrolled at MTSU in January 2022 and chose Professional Studies as her major. The program is designed specifically for working adults and can be flexible to a particular student’s interests.

With an expected graduation date of December 2024, McClain says she wouldn’t be where she is without all the hard work she did in her life before she got to MTSU. She was able to use that prior experience to save both time and money because of MTSU’s Prior Learning Assessment course offered by University College.

McClain discussed her academic journey along with Cathy Delametter, Prior Learning Assessment manager and instructor in University College, on a recent MTSU on 2 segment from the studios of WKRN-TV in Nashville. You can watch the segment below.

Middle Tennessee State University nontraditional student Toscha McClain, center, discussed her academic journey along with Cathy Delametter, left, Prior Learning Assessment manager and instructor in University College, and WKRN-TV Local on 2 program hosts Larissa Wohl, right, during a recent MTSU on 2 segment from the studios of WKRN-TV in Nashville, Tenn. (MTSU photo by Hunter Patterson)

Prior Learning Assessment, or PLA, allows working adults to earn college credit for learning acquired from work and training. In the PLA course, students create a detailed portfolio of their professional competencies, training and certifications, and other experiential learning. Students can potentially earn up to two years of college credit from their prior learning.

“PLA was a wonderful experience because it forced me to go back through my career and hit the highlights,” she said. “I earned 33 credits and that shaved off more than an entire year of college and tuition.”

Middle Tennessee State University nontraditional student Toscha McClain is shown here during a summer 2023 MTSU study abroad trip to Germany with the 19th century Neuschwanstein Castle in the background. McClain said her daughter earning her degree in 2020 inspired her to enroll at MTSU, where she is set to earn her professional studies degree this fall. (Submitted photo)

While the Professional Studies program can be completed online, McClain felt it was important for her to get the college experience on campus, something that not a lot of other 52-year-olds decide to do.

“I actually prefer on-campus work,” she said. “I wanted to know what it was like to meet face-to-face with your professors, or to work on a group project with your classmates.”.

And the MTSU community could not have been more welcoming.

“And these kids, they have welcomed me,” she said while smiling. “The way these young people are inclusive is so magical. I think they realize we are all different, whether it be our age, our culture, or our passion, and they know that’s what makes us all interesting. It’s been the best experience.”

McClain says she would encourage anyone thinking of going to college, whether it be for the first time like her, or returning to finish their degree, to “just do it.”

“I tell people all the time that they can absolutely do it,” she said. “I was terrified, but MTSU has so many resources, from tutoring to the writing center to math labs. This is not the type of place that is fighting against you. MTSU has people in place to help you succeed.”

When she started down this road two years ago McClain said she planned on exploring a career in executive leadership in the health care space. She says she still wouldn’t mind that, but during her time in college, she has realized she will be fulfilled as long as she can lead people in a positive direction.

“I am not confined to what my title might be” she said. “I just want to help people realize their potential, just like so many people at MTSU have helped me realize mine.”

If you are interested in finishing your degree, please visit MTSU.edu/FinishNow.

— Hunter Patterson (Hunter.Patterson@mtsu.edu)