North Carolina woman earns PhD at age 23

(WECT) – A 23-year-old in North Carolina, who started college when she was 12, just earned a Ph. D. from the University of Wisconsin.

Nadine Nepper and her ex-husband knew their daughter, Julia, was gifted at an early age. 

"We didn't think she was being challenged enough," said Nepper who was remembering a time when the family lived in Burgaw. "It was suggested if we wanted her to excel, we'd have to pull her out and homeschool her," said Nepper.

That is what the Neppers did for four years, and their hard work paid off.

Julia was just 12 years old when she began her higher education at Cape Fear Community College.

She went on to get her associates degree at 14, her bachelor's degree from UNCW at 16 and now her Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin at 23. 

"Most of the people I've met, in my life, could have done what I did if they had the right support," Julia said. "I don't fault my parents, pushing me, with regards to my education. Clearly, I could handle it and it worked. So they must have done something right."

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