Lynn Blakey has an accomplished career as a musician. But she’s always felt like something was missing. In August, she will return to UNCG to earn a degree in Peace and Conflict Studies.
Blakey, 61, was enrolled in classes at UNCG more than three decades ago, working toward a degree in communications. She planned to be a documentary filmmaker. While at the University, Blakey learned how to play a guitar and started a band.
Her junior year, she was asked by “Let’s Active,” to join them, and left school at age 24. That led to the start of her career, being part of the band while it toured as an opening act for R.E.M. Blakey was later a part of the female-trio Tres Chicas, and toured the U.S. and Europe. She now has a solo career, and often performs with her husband, a violinist.
“Music has been my life since I made the decision (to leave school),” Blakey said. “It’s a life of touring and recording and learning about the world. I’ve made six records in various bands and sung on more than 50 others.”
Her career, which she describes as an “amazing experience,” still left her wanting more.
“All this time, I thought about going back to school,” Blakey said.
In 2022, she was diagnosed with cancer. After chemotherapy and surgery, Blakey slowly felt like her old self and was ready to return to singing and songwriting. But she also looked at other jobs, and saw that a bachelor’s degree was required for most of them.
“I looked to see what UNCG had online, and the first thing that popped up was Peace and Conflict Studies. I never knew that was a career. I thought, ‘That’s my thing: Helping to solve problems,’” Blakey said. “I read more about the program and it was what I wanted.”
She contacted Gina Ingraham, the stop out prevention and re-entry coordinator in Enrollment Management, and Blakey began the process of applying to school. UNCG is allowing most of her previous credits to transfer upon her return to school.
“I feel committed to doing this and am excited,” Blakey said. “This is important and will change my life in a good way. I’m excited about my major. I hope to be part of the solution.”
Blakey still plans to sing and perform, but said she now thinks of school as her primary job.
“I’m glad this program is online. I love the flexibility that gives me,” she said.
I looked to see what UNCG had online, and the first thing that popped up was Peace and Conflict Studies. I never knew that was a career. I thought, ‘That’s my thing: Helping to solve problems,’. I read more about the program and it was what I wanted.
Lynn Blakey, Professional Musician
Blakey, who lives in Chapel Hill, is still trying to decide what she will do with her degree once she graduates.
“I want to start with a beginner’s mind approach. As I go, I think paths might come to me. I see mediation or teaching with kids, and still staying in my community,” she said. “I can support people fleeing conflict and resolution in my neighborhood. There’s a need for this kind of thinking and approach to life: In politics, schools, businesses, non-profits, everything. I want to use this degree to make the world better.”
Blakey said she hopes her story inspires others.
“I would just like more people to believe this is possible. Going back to school, you appreciate things differently as an older person,” she said. “I’m not planning on retiring any time soon.”
Article by Sarah Newell
Black and white photos by Rusty Moore