News

Morgan Gains Five Degrees in Normal Time For One Diploma

(Released 7/21/10)

JAMESTOWN - Joshua Morgan said he's "always had a real thirst for knowledge," and he's satisfying that ambition by gaining five two-year college degrees in the time frame that most students earn a single degree.

He received four associate in applied science degrees at the May 13 graduation at Guilford Technical Community College, and is closing in on the fifth degree when he completes summer school classes on July 28.

He will be moving to Winston-Salem State University when the fall semester begins. "At the very least I would like to attain a master's degree, and may try to attain a doctorate elsewhere," Morgan said. He was named one of two outstanding graduates in applied science at the spring graduation.

His GTCC degrees in entertainment technology include artist management, concert sound and lighting, music performance and recording/engineering.

He soon will add an accounting degree to his list.

Despite taking an average of 21 credit hours per semester, Morgan also has held down regular jobs on campus and played an important role in concerts and recording projects at the school.

"I was very blessed in that I was able to find jobs on campus. It was very convenient and everyone I worked with was very supportive of my ambitions. I owe a debt of gratitude to my supervisors, my instructors and both department heads," he said. He worked in the college bookstore and also in enrollment services.

Morgan, 28, earned a two-year associate's degree in computer science from Bluefield State College before entering GTCC. After getting his first college degree, Morgan said he decided that he didn't want to make a living in the computer field. He had no passion for it.

He was still "searching," trying to satisfy that thirst that wasn't quenched by his first degree. "It's important to keep working toward something that will make you happy," he said. "I'm really about music and the love of wisdom," he said. He plays guitar and piano, and was leader of a six-man rock band while in high school.

Morgan landed an internship with Walt Disney World in Orlando and simultaneously made progress toward completing his degree at Bluefield State. He was a vacation planner, working in customer service, he said. Three years in Florida "gave me a chance to grow; I was exposed to many, many different cultures, ideas and people," he said.

Meanwhile, his parents, Johnny and Dianne Morgan, moved from West Virginia to Winston-Salem, and he decided to join them there. "I was looking for work when I came here and found a job in the bookstore at GTCC, which ultimately led to my decision to inquire about the Entertainment Technology program, he said.

"My dream is to work in the arts, and I know that is a field that is oversaturated with talent. That's why I am studying accounting. That's what is more likely to put food on the table," he said. The practical side of his ambition doesn't mean Morgan is giving up on becoming involved with some aspect of the entertainment world. His variety of degrees provides options for possible entry into the music industry. "I know I want to impact the world some way - whether with my music or by making enough money as an accountant that I will be able to help other people," Morgan said.

Another option: "I'm considering the possibility of something within the teaching profession, a career path that would allow me to have summers off in order to write and perform music."

"If I were to become well-known, I would want to be well-known for influencing change rather than being recognized solely for my music. I want to pursue philanthropy to the fullest extent. I perceive that there is a lot of hurt in the world and nobody is doing anything about it," he said.

"In lieu of selling a million records, I'd much rather inspire a small amount of like- minded individuals who may make the world a better place. I'd take that over money or fame on any given day," he said.

Morgan said he is inspired by Michelangelo: "The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark."

"I try to live by that," he said. And Morgan is trying harder than the average student. How does he do it? "I just push myself. My parents always told me I could do anything I put my mind to; I suppose I really began to believe them," he said.

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