It was late December in 1981. I don’t recall the exact date, but I remember what was going on during that time. I had a conversation with my mother that was life changing. That sounds so dramatic, but it is true.

I received a very well written letter from Texas Tech right after Christmas that year. They respectfully informed me that I was welcome not to return for the spring semester in 1982.  The term “scholastic probation” was used.  

Naturally, I was discouraged. There were so many things that contributed to my academic demise during the fall semester of 1981. But I am still convinced that lack of direction was the primary factor. I was majoring in marketing but had little interest in the field. It just seemed like the right thing to do if I was going to secure a decent job after college.   Consequently, I could not find the motivation to excel in the classroom.

During that December conversation I informed my mother that I was not going back to college. That was the end of the discussion. I honestly did not view myself as college material.

She asked me one simple question.  “What academic subjects do you like?” I thought for a moment…I told her I loved speech and debate in high school.  I liked public speaking!  And I liked the analytic aspect of debate. She said: “Why don’t you major in speech communications?” 

I had an immediate response. I honestly thought my answer would end the conversation.  I said: “You can’t make a living with a degree in speech communications.”  (Yes, it was an ignorant statement.) She was not phased. SHE said: “We are discussing getting a degree; not securing a job.”  That was followed with encouraging words to get enrolled in school for the spring semester.

The rest is history. I graduated from Lubbock Christian University in 1984 with honors.  And yes, my BA degree is in Speech Communications!  I went on to Abilene Christian University to complete a master’s degree in Biblical Studies in 1987.

Unfortunately, my mother passed away before I became “Dr. Knox” in 2003. And the same guy who was NOT going back to college completed a second master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2017.

My educational pursuits could have ceased in December of 1981… It would have just taken a few discouraging words. After all, I was on scholastic probation!  Thank you, Weezy. I still remember where we were sitting when that memorable conversation took place. May God allow me to encourage others in a similar manner. And may I use all of my education to help people for the rest of my life.