Billie Jean King earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from California State University, Los Angeles, on May 18, 2024 [1], [2], [4].
The achievement highlights the lifelong pursuit of education and serves as a public testament that academic goals can be realized regardless of age.
King, a tennis legend and LGBTQ+ advocate, graduated at age 82 [1]. Her return to academia was a personal mission to finish a journey that began decades ago. She first enrolled in the university in 1961 [3], but her professional career and activism took precedence over her studies at the time.
During the commencement ceremony in Los Angeles, King shared her motivation for returning to the classroom. She said, "It is never, ever, too late to finish what you have started" [1].
The process of returning to school was a deliberate choice to inspire others to pursue learning later in life. King said, "It is never too late" [2]. Her determination to complete the degree was evident in her commitment to the coursework, noting the time required to finish the requirements. King said, "Three years? I’m going back for sure" [3].
By completing her degree in history, King adds an academic milestone to a career already defined by breaking barriers in sports and civil rights. The ceremony at Cal State LA marked the official conclusion of a degree process that spanned more than 60 years, a gap between enrollment and graduation that underscores her persistence.
“"It is never, ever, too late to finish what you have started."”
King's graduation serves as a high-profile example of lifelong learning, challenging traditional societal timelines for academic achievement. By completing a degree started in 1961, she leverages her platform to normalize non-linear educational paths and encourage older adults to re-enter formal education.
