Alexandria, LA (8/17/2025) – For LaMona Wallace, August 15, 2025, was more than just a graduation day. At 51 years old, she walked across the stage at Louisiana State University and received her Master’s degree, fulfilling a lifelong dream that she once thought might be out of reach.
Wallace’s journey began in Jena, Louisiana, where she graduated from Jena High School in 1993. She went on to earn an associate degree from Central Louisiana Technical Community College in 1999 before making Alexandria her home in 1996. Nearly three decades later, she has become not only a dedicated LSU-Alexandria employee but also a role model for perseverance and purpose.
Having worked at LSU-Alexandria for more than 22 years as an Administrative Assistant, Wallace says the achievement was fueled by faith, perseverance, and a commitment to inspiring others. “It has been a lifelong dream of mine to graduate from LSU,” Wallace said. “I wanted to be a role model for young ladies that look like me, and as a staff member of LSU Alexandria, I wanted to be in a position to continue to help students reach their dreams and goals.”
She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from LSU-Alexandria in December 2022 before pursuing her Master’s at LSU. Her motivation was deeply tied to her role as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer, where she saw firsthand the struggles of young people caught in the justice system. “I realized I wanted to know how I could help,” Wallace explained. “I wanted to understand the system and be a voice for children and families who needed support.”
Her academic success speaks for itself. With a 4.2 GPA and membership in the Omega Nu Lambda Honor Society, Wallace exemplifies the discipline and perseverance needed to balance work, family, and higher education. She credits her success not only to organization and structure but also to the support of her colleagues at LSU-Alexandria. “When you have an entire institution behind you, it is a wonderful feeling,” she said.
Outside of Her Academic
Outside of her academic and professional achievements, Wallace is an active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. Her sorority sisters support her, and she draws strength from their encouragement. She also shapes her purpose through community service, from serving at the Manna House to participating in the annual Autism Walk.
For Wallace, this milestone is also a spiritual victory. “It was very surreal,” she said of her graduation day. “My heart was full because God has been faithful in His word: ‘Ask and you shall receive.’”
Her advice to others who may feel it is too late to achieve their goals is simple but powerful. “Never think it is too late to pursue your dream. I am 51 years old and on August 15, 2025, I saw one of my dreams come to reality and it is a very good feeling. Keep going. Let no one get in your way because everybody’s path is different.”
Though she plans to take a short break, Wallace is already thinking about her next step, a doctorate. In the meantime, she is focused on sharing her story to inspire others. “I want to tell my story as many times as it takes until someone hears me and decides to pursue their education,” she said. “I want people to know: you’ve got this.”
Wallace’s story is a reminder to the Alexandria community and beyond that perseverance pays off, and that dreams, no matter how long they take, are always worth chasing.
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