Never too late: UC Clermont student returns after 50 years to finish degree

With a lifetime of experience behind her, Cyndy Wright Sellers is returning to finish what she started in 1976. UC Clermont is ready to welcome her home.

BATAVIA, Ohio (Feb. 5, 2026) — When Cyndy Wright Sellers walked into her first UC Clermont class this January, she was stepping into a dream she set aside nearly half a century ago.

Sellers first enrolled at the University of Cincinnati in fall 1976. Fresh out of Milford High School, she planned to become a special education teacher and dove into college life with enthusiasm.

“I’ve always loved school,” Sellers said. “I’ve always considered myself a lifelong learner.”

But life soon redirected her path. After marrying her high school boyfriend, Sellers began working as a teller at Fifth Third Bank to support their young family. A transfer to Louisville followed, and before long, she was raising two sons and putting college on hold. When her marriage ended, she returned to Ohio and rebuilt her life as a single mother, working her way up from teller to seasoned banking professional during what would become a remarkable 47-year career.

Over more than two decades with Park National Bank, Sellers rose to the role of vice president and manager of the commercial cash management team. She had previously served as a banking center manager, private banking officer, and commercial lending and business development officer. Her branches earned perfect customer service mystery shops; her client portfolio grew dramatically under her leadership; and at retirement in 2024, she was responsible for a $150 million portfolio — evidence of a career built on trust, mentorship and an unwavering commitment to service.

“My success was a combination of hard work and luck,” said Sellers. “And I was fortunate to have people in my path who saw my potential.”

While climbing the corporate ranks, Sellers also raised two sons who became her greatest joys. Her eldest, Cory, graduated cum laude from Centre College and now serves as an administrator for one of Ohio’s largest townships. Her younger son, Christian, graduated cum laude from Denison University, earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Phoenix and completed a doctorate in environmental life sciences at Arizona State University, where he is now a professor.

“A major motivation for my work was to put my boys through college. I wanted them to go to school and have what I didn’t have,” Sellers said. “When both sons graduated from college, those were my proudest moments; to give them an edge up in life that I didn’t have meant everything.”

But Sellers’s impact extends far beyond her career and family. For decades, she has been deeply woven into the fabric of Clermont County, serving organizations such as Health Source of Ohio, Women Helping Women, CASA for Clermont Kids!, the Clermont Chamber of Commerce, Clermont Senior Services, the League of Women Voters, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and the Council on Aging. Her leadership and advocacy have earned numerous recognitions, including the William H. Over Leadership Award, Clermont County Businesswoman of the Year, the Edward Parish Pacesetter Award and Park National Bank’s Community Impact Award.

Yet one goal continued to call to her.

After retiring in 2024, Sellers gave herself time to reflect. She traveled with her husband, David, enjoyed her grandchildren and waited for clarity about what came next. And slowly, one idea began to rise above the rest: it was time to finish the degree she started in 1976.

With the help of UC Clermont advisors and longtime college leader Professor Greg Sojka, Cyndy pieced together her academic history and found a pathway into individual studies with a focus on psychology and communication — disciplines that match her growing passion for supporting survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence. “This isn’t for my career,” she said. “This is for me. I want to be an advocate.”

In January, at age 67, Sellers returned to the classroom full time, taking 15 credit hours with one class on campus and the others online. She hopes to complete her associate degree within two semesters and continue toward a bachelor’s degree. Just as meaningful to her as the diploma, though, is the opportunity to learn alongside today’s students.

“I love being with the students,” said Sellers, “understanding why they’re here, being a support, offering a grandmother’s ear.”

Much has changed since she registered for classes with a pencil and scantron in 1976, but Sellers feels energized by the challenge. More than anything, she’s motivated by the legacy she hopes to leave for her grandchildren.

“When I walk across that stage, they’ll see their Nana earning her diploma,” Sellers said. “I want them to know that anything is possible at any age.”

Her story is one of perseverance, gratitude and the quiet strength of choosing to keep growing.

“We all drink from wells we did not dig. This is my time to refresh the well. To give back. To keep going. Age is a mental thing. Positivity and gratitude — that’s what makes the world better.”

###

UC Clermont College is in the center of Clermont County on 95 beautifully wooded acres in Batavia Township. The college is an accredited, open-access institution offering more than 60 programs and degrees. UC Clermont is part of the nationally recognized University of Cincinnati. For more information, call 513-556-5400 or visit www.ucclermont.edu.

(Image 1): Cyndy Wright Sellers returned to college after 50 years and started classes at UC Clermont in January.
(Image 2): Cyndy with her sons, Christian (left), and Cory.
(Image 3): Cyndy at the doctorate graduation of her son, Christian.