Mother-Daughter Duo Graduates Together as Part of UA Wayne’s Class of 2025

A unique and inspiring pair of graduates joined the University of Akron Wayne College’s Class of 2025: mother and daughter, Tina and Caitlynn Harris. Tina earned a Bachelor of Science in Primary Inclusive Teacher Preparation (PITP), while Caitlynn, 27, received a bachelor's degree in Organizational Supervision. Remarkably, both also earned an Associate of Arts degree in 2023.

Tina, 50, had worked as a school bus driver, where she regularly interacted with students. Many of them, even kindergartners, shared feelings of sadness and frustration about school. Moved by their experiences, Tina felt called to become a teacher and help transform students’ perceptions of education.

“I wanted to help build a strong educational foundation and foster a love of learning in a safe, supportive, and motivating environment for all students,” Tina shared.

She was aware that the University of Akron offered an education degree program, but due to family obligations, including a daughter attending high school at the time, she wanted a college that was closer to home. Learning that UA Wayne offered a full four-year degree program in Education changed everything. “Wayne College allowed for a convenient commute. The affordable tuition and free parking were also key factors in my decision. The small class sizes and exceptional student resources like the Smucker Learning Center, Library, and 3D Lab made it an ideal choice. These resources were invaluable tools that supported my educational journey,” Tina explained.

Tina described UA Wayne as “more than just a place for academic learning — it became my second home.” She credits her success to the overwhelmingly positive experiences she had, including “everything from engaging coursework to dedicated professors, meaningful friendships, and enjoyable activities that I did not expect to participate in at this stage in my life.”

Tina’s academic journey was supported by her family, especially her husband and children. “Their sacrifices — like time apart so I could focus on assignments and projects — were invaluable.” She also credited the camaraderie and encouragement from colleagues at the Smucker Learning Center, her professors, and classmates, who provided emotional support and valued friendship.

One of Tina’s greatest sources of motivation and support was her daughter, Cait. As a fellow student at UA Wayne, Cait understood the demands of college life and offered ongoing encouragement. “Seeing Cait’s dedication to her education and personal goals inspired me to persevere. I’m proud we shared this journey together and to have walked alongside her at graduation.”

With her degree in hand, Tina plans to work in an elementary school and hopes to secure a teaching position by this fall. Looking ahead, she is open to furthering her education with a master’s degree in a specialized field like special education.

Caitlynn Harris’ college journey began in 2016 at Bowling Green State University, but financial constraints cut it short after her second year. She was motivated to finish her degree by her watching her mother. “She told me about her desire to attend college and she was doing amazing! I saw her strength and wanted to continue as well. I am so proud of her and blessed to have her as my role model.”

The opportunity to continue her education at UA Wayne was the catalyst Cait needed, and she enrolled in 2019. After a brief break due to life circumstances, she returned and completed her associate degree in 2023, then continued on to earn her bachelor’s. “UA Wayne was more my style. I could commute easily, and the smaller class sizes and kind, engaging instructors made learning enjoyable. It felt like a fresh start,” she said.

Now, Cait is pursuing a career that allows her to work with people and help build strong communities. “I want to support others who are working to make a difference and bring joy to those around them.” This summer, she’s working an internship at Upward Bound in Mansfield and hopes to find similarly meaningful employment afterward.

Like her mother, Cait deeply values the support she received. “My husband, family, and so many wonderful people at Wayne believed in me, taught me to be patient with myself, and helped me stay resilient.”

Reflecting on her time at UA Wayne, Cait shared that the best part was the people who helped shape what she described as a truly amazing college experience. “Their endless kindness and support made every day brighter. From staff to students, everyone has different and interesting ways of thinking and working. Experiences like listening to people in the Library’s ‘Bookish Bunch’ group talk about the books they were reading showed me how big and diverse the world is — and how we all have something meaningful to contribute.”