Brock takes care of unfinished business 36 years later

Trerica Roberson
Blue & White Flash / Graphic Design Intern

Ronnie Brock, Sr. hopes that the completion of his Bachelor’s inspires his son, Ronnie Brock, Jr.  and others who want to further their education to strive to attain the same goal.

Brock, Sr., first attempted to obtain a Bachelor’s degree from Jackson State in 1975 in drafting.  However, after two years of school, he decided to put his goal on hold to start a family and begin a career in drafting and design.

He said that his family has been both his inspiration and his motivation.

“My family has been very supportive, especially my wife Brenda who has been pulling double duty with the home, kids, homework and ninety other things,” said Brock, Sr.

Adding to the stress of attending school fulltime and working, Brock, Sr. and his wife, since the death of his oldest daughter, are raising three granddaughters.

“Most of the time, after my 150 mile round trip drive to and from JSU, I’m not a lot of help. So yes, family has been very supportive.”

Brock, Jr., a freshman mass communications major stated that he was also very supportive of his father’s decision to return to school and helped by answering any questions he had and giving his input on certain things.

“I knew it would be a long journey ahead, but my family was very supportive and motivated my father to get his degree.”

Brock, Sr. chose Jackson State twice for his educational goals.

“I have always had this Blue Tiger inside my head saying ‘you have some unfinished business at JSU.’  So back here I came and on May 4th, it will be a done deal.  I have really enjoyed the education here at Jackson State University.”

Brock, Sr. stated that he would like to use his degree to educate kids.

“I think I want to start a technical art center where I live,” he said.

Brock also stated that he has a much better understanding of the phrase, “Time waits on no man.”

“When I returned to school, I had to work.  I had two girls in junior college, one son in high school, and 3 girls in elementary school.,” said Brock, Sr.  “Now I am graduating from JSU and my son is a freshman here, how much better can life get!   So don’t think about returning to school, return and graduate!”