John Peyton has lived a full life, from his time in the Air Force to his decades working in radio and music. He frequently warns people to “watch their feet because I’m dropping names,” and he takes pride in scrolling through his Instagram to show off pictures of him with the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Darrell K Royal and, more importantly, his two grandchildren.

Peyton also has a long history with The University of Texas at Austin. He began attending in 1995, studying advertising and public relations. After a nearly 30-year hiatus, he’s decided to finish what he started, with plans to graduate with a bachelor's degree in communication studies in May.

“I’m blessed to have turned 64 in September and have been a senior for nearly three decades,” Peyton said. “I guess that officially makes me a senior-senior.”

Peyton was in his 30s when he first enrolled at UT. He had already served in the Air Force in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

He began his service at 17 and was in the Tactical Air Command with NATO Forces Europe on the flight line with the F-4 Phantom II long-range supersonic jet fighter-bombers. He was also in the Strategic Air Command in the states with the B-52 Stratofortress long-range, subsonic jet-powered bombers. He was 21 when I was honorably discharged after four years of service.

“I loved the opportunity to travel with the Air Force,” he said. “I was able to be in many countries and states, I may not have otherwise seen. I think every young American should serve our country, at least one year, in any capacity.”

Later, Peyton worked at KLBJ 590-AM and 93.7-FM as an account executive. He decided to pursue a degree in advertising at UT because of his history in print and radio advertising sales.

“I found advertising and public relations to be fascinating,” Peyton said. “It’s a completely different animal now with social media algorithms and new mediums to reach consumers.”

He eventually stopped taking classes to help provide for his family. Since then, he’s spent 10 years working for the Texas Department of Public Safety in media and communications, helping to develop the Impact Texas Teen Drivers program, which discourages teens from being distracted in the car and texting while driving. Peyton also has partnered with Chris Jagger, brother of Rolling Stones front man Mick Jagger, for 20 years to create and co-host radio shows such as “Roadhouse Revival” and a documentary film called “I Got the Blues in Austin,” combining their love of music and old Austin.

Peyton is also a lifelong musician and plays the drums and harmonica (see the video here of him playing a tune on the harmonica at the 2010 graduation). He said music is the one thing he’ll never retire from.

Peyton said his age motivated him to go back to school before he hit 70.

“I’ve always said I’m going to get a degree from UT,” Peyton said. “It’s always been important to me to finish what I start and do what I say I’m going to do. It’s better late than never.”

Peyton’s family was elated to hear he was returning to UT. Two of his children, his father-in-law and two sisters-in-law are UT graduates, and his wife of 42 years graduated with a degree in biochemistry and is currently a forensic scientist. He is also a descendant of John Charles Townes, the first dean of the UT Law School, whose name graces Townes Hall. Peyton said he’s grateful that Townes is still seen as a man of integrity and that his name remains part of the University’s legacy.

“Though I sometimes feel out of place today, being in class with students younger than my children, I’ve always felt like I belong at UT,” Peyton said. “I could have taken online courses from another university or attended any other university in Central Texas, but it wouldn’t have been the same for me. I feel at home on the Forty Acres. We all bleed burnt orange.”

Peyton restarted his journey at UT over the summer with 12 hours of online courses. He decided to ease himself in and make the transition more comfortable.

Since being on campus, Peyton has taken an interest in New Wave Longhorns, an organization that welcomes nontraditional students and provides personal and professional support. The Student Veteran Association also has helped Peyton find a sense of community on campus.

“They’re very welcoming,” Peyton said. “There’s camaraderie there. If I didn’t have all that, if they didn’t offer those things, it would be a pretty tough haul.”

Peyton decided to finish his time at UT in the Department of Communication Studies, rather than advertising, because he will be able to use the knowledge forever, he said. He said that being back at UT is exhilarating and has inspired him to never stop learning.

“I’ve really enjoyed each of my classes and professors,” Peyton said. “These are courses that will benefit any student, in any major, at any age. I’ve become a better communicator and an even better listener.”