Country artist Chris Colston graduates from TJC while preparing for new career path
by Vivian Medina, TJC Marketing and Communications
On weekends, country artist Chris Colston stands beneath concert lights across Texas, guitar in hand, sharing stages with artists including Lynyrd Skynyrd, Gary Allan and Cody Johnson. But, during the week, Colston has been trading his guitar for a laptop as he earned a degree from Tyler Junior College.
Chris Colston performs live on stage during a concert.
Colston was among more than 1,300 students who earned degrees from TJC this spring, each with their own story of persistence and new beginnings. But he acknowledges his path to graduation looked a little different than most.
“School was not always something I had my sights on,” Colston said. “As life evolved, I realized I wanted to build something long term that aligned with who I am, especially as a husband and father.”
Despite his growing music career, Colston said his early passion for the outdoors, conservation, and law enforcement never faded.
“There was definitely a season where music consumed most of my attention, and a lot of people would have walked away from school completely,” Colston said. “But I knew now was the time if I was really going to take a leap of faith and give it my all.”
The East Texas native said TJC gave him the flexibility to balance touring, family life, and a growing music career while pursuing his education.
“I wanted to prove to myself and my family that I could finish something challenging even when life got busy,” Colston said. “TJC gave me confidence that I could adapt and pursue a new chapter of life even at 28 years old, without giving up on who I already was.”
Behind the scenes, Colston credits his wife for helping make his graduation possible.
“She’s been working full time to allow me to follow this second dream of mine,” Colston said. “She’s the glue to our family.”
Now, with an associate’s degree in criminal justice from TJC, Colston is preparing to pursue his longtime goal of becoming a game warden.
“Music will always be a huge part of my life, and I still plan to continue releasing music and performing,” he said. “But graduating from TJC also represents the beginning of a new path for me.”
For tour dates and information about Colston’s upcoming performances across Texas visit ChrisColstonMusic.com.
To learn more about TJC’s Criminal Justice program or the more than 135 degree and certificate programs offered by the College, visit TJC.edu.
About TJC
Tyler Junior College is a comprehensive public community college located in East Texas. Currently celebrating its Centennial year, TJC was founded in 1926 and offers a wide range of programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate’s degrees, certificates, and workforce or vocational training. The College offers more than 135 programs of study in areas including arts, sciences, health professions, business, technology, and trades, helping both traditional students and adult learners.
TJC serves almost 20,000 students annually across its credit and non-credit programs, with more than 16,000 in credit programs and nearly 4,000 in continuing studies. TJC strives to provide an outstanding educational experience that prepares students for success in their careers and communities.
Throughout its 145-acre central campus and multiple sites, TJC features rigorous academics, 70 national athletic championships, stellar fine and performing arts programs, modern residential facilities, and organizations and clubs that promote student engagement and diversity.
