It's Never Too Late: How One Criminal Justice Major Found Purpose, Community and a Path to Law at UofL

By Stephanie Godward, Communications and Marketing Director, College of Arts & Sciences 

Jamoa Wooten lives his life guided by three words that inspire him to make big moves: initiative, intent, and impact. 

A nontraditional student who is projected to graduate this December at age 43 with a degree in Criminal Justice, Wooten expanded his experience by venturing outside of his comfort zone to perform in Pipeline, a recent Theatre Arts Department production. 

“I decided to go back to school and challenge myself,” Wooten said. “For someone that's thinking it is too late, I encourage them to look at those three big ‘i’s’ - to take the initiative, do it with intent, and think of what kind of impact that will have. That led me back to school.” 

Wooten’s goal of becoming a lawyer is rooted in his family’s legacy for telling the truth no matter the cost. His great-grandfather, Lacy Mitchell, is recognized at the National Memorial for Peace and Justice and the Legacy Museum in Montgomery, Alabama. 

“He told the truth and he lost his life. I believe he knew he was going to lose his life, but he still told the truth,” Wooten said. 

A proud father, he is also driven by his daughter, Carmen Ellison, who is one of the youngest high school graduates ever in the state of Kentucky. She graduated at age 15 from Seneca High School, then went on to graduate with her bachelor's degree from UofL again as one of the youngest students to do so.  

“I realized that if I could create opportunities for her, I could also create new opportunities for myself,” Wooten said. 

She graduated this past spring with her master's degree at age 20. 

“I have seen her dedication and her hard work, and it just made me want to go to school to pursue criminal justice,” Wooten said. “But I like to call it justice. And if you tell the truth, justice will be served. And that's why I want to become a lawyer as well, to tell the truth and be somebody's voice of truth and reasoning.” 

Wooten attended several institutions before landing at UofL and finding the perfect fit. He credits the faculty and staff within the Department of Criminal Justice for pushing him to grow and to ultimately achieve his dream of completing his degree – something that he believes was only truly possible for him at UofL – because of its people. 

“Everybody, every professor I had, they all challenged me emotionally, mentally,” he states. “It's just been an incredible journey at UofL. It's like no other.” 

For other nontraditional students determined to achieve their dreams, Wooten said the key is to bet on yourself and act. 

“I honestly believe if you get out of your comfort zone and take a chance on yourself, you know that term when people say, ‘I'm going to bet on myself’ – don't just say that, actually do that, because those are the greatest rewards, which is what I have found for myself,” Wooten said.  

Wooten has dedicated himself to community service, participated in the LAE and APS Criminal Justice Honors Programs, served as a Criminal Justice Student Ambassador, joined the Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society, and completed Green Dot training.  

“Through these experiences, I came to an important realization: it was never that I could not succeed—I simply needed a community of people who truly cared and believed in my potential,” Wooten states. 

During the summer of 2025, Wooten enrolled in a theatre class—something completely outside of his own comfort zone.  

“I auditioned for a production and was selected to play the role of Dun, the security guard in the play Pipeline,” he said. “I do not have much family in Louisville to attend events like that, but members of the Brandeis School of Law came out to support the performance. That gesture meant more to me than they probably realized and reminded me how much this university truly invests in its students.” 

He credits that community for fostering his success and achievement, including his advisor, Kelsey Coronel, who has been instrumental in guiding him academically. Christine Williams-Foster in the TRIO program served as both a mentor and counselor, consistently encouraging him to push beyond his own perceived limits.  

“African-American Theatre Program Director and Professor LaShondra Hood also challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone and discover strengths I did not know I had,” he said.  

Wooten is living proof that it is never too late to achieve your dreams and goals. 

“My parents were teenagers when they had me, and my journey has not always been easy,” he said. “However, my experiences have shaped who I am today and strengthened my determination to build a future that honors my family’s history while creating new opportunities for the next generation.”