Attorney becomes student again at 74 years young

Gregory Jones, 74, isn’t slowing down. He is beginning a new chapter.

To rousing applause, Jones received his Master of Liberal Arts degree during the Tulane School of Professional Advancement (SoPA) 2026 diploma ceremony held on the Uptown campus.

After a distinguished 40-year career in international trade and intellectual property law, Jones made a bold decision to return to the classroom. With a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, a Master of Business Administration, and a Juris Doctor already behind him, he had achieved what many consider a lifetime of success. Still, for Jones, learning was far from over.

“I wanted to do something totally different,” he said. “To expand my horizons and my perspectives.”

That desire led him to Tulane SoPA, where he stepped into a world far removed from corporate law. What began as a personal test quickly became a deeply rewarding experience.

“I wanted to see if I could still perform in the classroom,” Jones explained. “And I did. Just fine.”

At first, he stood out. When he walked into class, other students often assumed he was the professor. But those moments quickly gave way to connection. Jones built friendships across generations and embraced the opportunity to learn alongside students decades younger than himself.

“It was fun,” he said. “A fabulous experience with fantastic faculty.”

The greatest reward was not simply earning another degree. It was discovering new ways of seeing the world. After years focused on business and law, Jones found himself immersed in subjects he had once overlooked.

“My eyes are open to so many things I ignored before,” he said. “My world is much brighter now.”

His return to Tulane also held personal meaning. Both of his sons are alumni and now work at the university, and his wife, whom he calls his “biggest fan,” encouraged him every step of the way.

With their support, Jones crossed the graduation stage once more, cheered on by family, classmates, and a community inspired by his journey.

Now, degree in hand again, he is not finished.

“I want to continue my education,” he said. “Why stop?”

In a world that often focuses on what has already been accomplished, Jones offers a different perspective. Growth does not have an expiration date. It simply requires curiosity and the courage to begin again.