MUSCLE SHOALS — Liston and Rosemary Coggins, both in their 70s, are proving that it’s never too late to chase your dreams.
The couple have started a new chapter together as freshmen at Northwest Shoals Community College, determined to earn their associate of science degrees.
Their story began decades ago when Liston first attended Northwest Alabama State Junior College in Phil Campbell in 1968. Back then, he was studying drafting, balancing night shifts at work with early morning classes.
Rosemary, then his new wife, would take notes in class while he rested — until life, and the birth of their first daughter, shifted their focus to family.
“I am a first-generation college graduate, but they are going to change that soon,” their daughter, Tracy Hill, said. “They have always supported us, and now it’s their turn to achieve something they’ve dreamed about for so long.”
Rosemary left high school after her junior year to marry Liston but attended NWSCC in 1996 to earn her GED. Now, nearly 30 years later, she and Liston are students again.
“We’ve always known about Northwest Shoals,” Liston said, “but the recent rebranding really caught our attention. It reminded me that the Shoals and Phil Campbell campuses, where I attended years ago, are now part of the same college.
“Seeing all the excitement around the rebranding and the return of athletics made us stop and think, ‘Why not now?’ ”
The couple said the energy and growth at the college inspired them to take the leap.
“It’s been such a rewarding decision,” Rosemary said. “We’re excited to be part of a college that’s clearly investing in the community. Northwest Shoals has been so accommodating, and our instructors have gone above and beyond to make sure we can succeed.”
Their motivation is a deep-rooted belief in the power of education and the importance of leading by example.
“For us, this journey is about more than just earning a degree,” Liston said. “It’s a lifelong dream. We’re learning new skills, staying mentally sharp, and staying engaged in our community.
“But most of all, we want our children and grandchildren to see that it’s never too late to follow your dreams.”
Their daughter, Tracy, who works in financial aid at NWSCC, beams with pride.
“Watching my parents go after their own goals is one of the most inspiring things I’ve ever seen,” she said. “They’re role models for our entire family, and we can’t wait to watch them walk across that stage.”
From wearing their Patriots gear proudly to inspiring friends and neighbors to consider college themselves, Liston and Rosemary Coggins are redefining what it means to be students and proving that learning truly has no age limit.
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