Graduating college is a monumental achievement.
It’s a nod to the dedication to your coursework, the late nights spent in the library ― and at times, the sacrifice of fun to assure your success in the classroom.
Florida A&M football defensive lineman Jolan Gilley has accomplished his goal of obtaining his Bachelor’s of Science in Allied Health Sciences on Friday, May 5.
Gilley, from Tallahassee, completed his degree with a 3.39 grade point average (GPA) ― the highest of the Rattlers’ graduating seniors.
“Graduating felt like a long time coming and it felt good to have my family there because that’s my support system,” Gilley, 22, said of commencing. “People always say that it seems like it’s far away, but when you look back, you’re like ‘It’s really been a long time.’
“Sports and school are the same. You wake up, go to practice, be on time for meetings and it’s the same thing for the classroom by turning in your assignments before deadlines.
“What really matters are those grades because an end will come and you have to be ready.”
Gilley was one of 11 FAMU football spring 2023 graduates.
As a whole, FAMU Athletics had 47 student-athletes participate in last week’s graduation.
“I’m extremely proud of Jolan Gilley for having the highest team GPA of our graduating students,” FAMU head coach Willie Simmons said. “He’s been a model student and great teammate during his time here on the Hill and we look forward to seeing him continue to do great things.”
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Coming to FAMU was bigger than football for Tallahassee’s Jolan Gilley
Gilley committed and signed to play football for FAMU out of Florida High School in 2019.
While football was important, it was also essential that he obtain his degree from the top-ranked public Historically Black College or University (HBCU) reported by the U.S. News and World Report.
“I committed to Coach Simmons because I felt like he was a good coach,” Gilley said. “But I also knew FAMU was a good school and a degree from there means a lot because it’s one of the top universities in the nation. I wanted put in the hard work to get that degree from FAMU while went to college for free.
“I always look at the bigger picture, so I wanted to be set after college.”
Gilley didn’t enter his undergraduate years alone.
And he didn’t complete them alone.
Gilley’s two-time teammate and classmate at Florida High and FAMU, defensive back Javan Morgan also graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a minor degree in Business.
“It was special to be alongside him for the journey,” Gilley said. “We went through everything together since about sixth grade. Seeing him develop and become a better version of himself ― it felt like we was in this thing together.”
One FAMU degree down, more to go for Jolan Gilley as he build more connections
Gilley made the most of his time in undergrad.
Along with being known for football, he is also a member of Collegiate 100 of FAMU ― an on-campus organization that serves the community through service and mentorship for young, black men.
“It’s like having two sets of brothers,” Gilley said. “I have my Collegiate 100 brothers and my football brothers. They all help with different things and hold you to higher standards.
“It’s all about accountability.”
Next for Gilley is pursuing his Master of Public Health. Following that, he plans to attend Physical Therapy school with hopes owning his own clinic someday.
He’s aiming to obtain all of his degrees and certifications from the same university that helped shaped him from the day he stepped on campus.
“I’m FAMU through and through,” Gilley said. “I want to travel and I’ve been thinking about working or owning my own clinic, so I can be a business owner and employ people.”
It’s been a good four years in the Highest of Seven Hills for Gilley.
What he’ll cherish most is the lifelong bonds that he constructed while there.
“It’s so many memories. I can’t pinpoint just one,” Gilley said. “I enjoyed being in the locker room with my teammates ― grinding, practicing, and going to war with those boys.
“Most of the memories were made with them and I thank my coaches and teammates.”
FAMU Football Spring 2023 Graduates
Traquan Butler, Bachelor of Science, Allied Health Science
Khalif Copeland, Bachelor of Science, Interdisciplinary Studies
Cameron Covin, Bachelor of Science, Sociology
Nicholas Dixon, Bachelor of Science, Health, Leisure, and Fitness Studies
Jolan Gilley, Bachelor of Science, Allied Health Science Pre-Physical Therapy
Donald Hall, Bachelor of Science, Allied Health Science
Le’John Howard, Bachelor of Science, Criminal Justice
Isaiah Land, Bachelor of Science, Interdisciplinary Studies
Javan Morgan, Bachelor of Science, Economics, Minor in Business
Kamari Stephens, Bachelor of Science, Criminal Justice
Kamari Young, Bachelor of Science, Information Technology
Gerald Thomas, III covers Florida A&M University Athletics for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at gdthomas@gannett.com or on Twitter @3peatgee.
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