Anthropology graduate student earns master of arts at 80 years old

Early life and career

"My gap year extended to 44 years," Whitehead joked. "Only five of my senior class attended university. Most students left school in their sophomore year to enter a robust work environment."

Whitehead began his professional life as a purchasing and warehouse clerk for a land-based oil drilling company. He went on to spend 30 years in the oil industry, which took him around the world. In 1974, he took a “hippie holiday,” hitchhiking from Europe to Australia over the course of a year. “Most of my education up to that point was in India, Thailand, and Indonesia,” he said. Afterward, he returned to work in oil, with assignments in Egypt, Norway, and the UK.

In 1978, he met and married his first Texan wife and moved to Australia, where they raised two daughters. Following an RV trip around the country, the couple returned to Texas and later divorced amicably. Whitehead has lived in the Texas Hill Country with his current wife of 33 years since 1988. “We’re now blessed with five kids and 11 grandkids,” he said.

Discovering anthropology

From his years of global travel, Whitehead unknowingly developed a keen interest in the diverse facets and applications of anthropology. In 2004, he began taking classes at Alamo Community College, where his wife was the head of the Arts and Humanities department. “I took 1312 Cultural Anthropology in 2006,” he noted. By the time he completed his associate degree in 2018, he was deeply invested in anthropology.

His academic path led him to TXST, where he continued his studies and took part in a 10-day educational trip to the Olmec region of Mexico in 2020—cut short by the pandemic. “We got the last flight out of Mexico City. It was surreal,” he recalled.

Whitehead earned his bachelor of science in anthropology in 2022 and immediately enrolled in graduate school. “It seemed natural to me to continue my senior citizen education,” he said. “The very nature of anthropology is to delve more deeply into people and cultures. This seemed to be my niche, my comfort level.” 

Thesis research and reflections

His master’s thesis, titled Ethnology of Older People Living Full-time in RV Parks, is the result of two years of ethnographic research that included interviews with more than 20 people and participant-observation in RV parks across Texas. Whitehead explored the diverse reasons people choose RV living in later life, from financial necessity to the pursuit of freedom and simplicity.

“This experience has been very interesting as I learned how important it is to listen and observe, and to see the world through the lens of the people I was interviewing,” he said. “My thesis focused on the circumstances that led people to be living in an RV park—was it a free choice, or the only option, or something else?”

Angela VandenBroek, Ph.D., Ian’s thesis advisor and longtime professor, praised his dedication to the field and the quality of his work. "Ian has been a joy to have in our anthropology community. His commitment to learning, enthusiasm, and sharp thinking elevate every discussion and project he's participated in," she said. "Ian documented the diverse circumstances that led people to RV life—from rejections of the suburban American dream to social failures that left older people vulnerable in later life. Despite this range, he found a consistent pattern of community building and support within these RV parks."

VandenBroek also emphasized the broader relevance of Ian’s research.

"In the U.S., our media is often focused on youth—in the case of Ian's research, we tend to think about 'van life' millennials and tiny home influencers,” she explained. “Ian’s work shifts our attention to the experiences of older adults and how they navigate economic instability, loneliness, and environmental concerns. His research showcases the creative ways people build support networks and systems of care despite larger social inequalities."

A lifelong love of learning

Whitehead said he particularly enjoyed the format of graduate education at TXST. “The smaller classes and personal attention from professors are significant,” he said.

His advice to prospective graduate students, especially those who may be hesitant? “Just do it. It is so different from undergrad. You are finally doing what you really want to do. Instead of slide and lecture-based exams, you have seminars, discussions, and multiple research papers.” 

Although Whitehead briefly considered pursuing a doctorate in anthropology, he ultimately decided to pivot to seek acceptance into a master of arts in history for Fall 2025.

“I am eager to continue my research and expand my understanding of how people in different societies organize their lives, beliefs, and practices,” he added. “I believe that anthropology plays a crucial role in fostering empathy in our increasingly diverse and interconnected world.”

Reflecting on his academic journey, Whitehead said, “In my early years of high school, I was not a very dedicated student. Now, as I am older, I find that my experience gives me the tools to enjoy studying and completing tasks.”

Ian Whitehead's story is a powerful reminder that learning knows no age limit—and that intellectual curiosity, community, and lifelong growth can continue to thrive at any stage of life.