Rubye Graham-Emerson is a small town girl who has risen to every challenge life has presented her. Originally from McGehee, Arkansas, she was married and had mover to Gary, Indiana, by age 18. Rubye was a mother to two children when she began college. In the midst of earning her first college degree, her middle sister died, leaving three daughters. Rubye saw their need, recognized and seized her responsibility, and 'adopted' her sister's children. Self-determination and inner strength helped her earn not only a Bachelor's degree but also a Master's degree (in Science Education with a major in Counseling Guidance Personnel Services) from Purdue University while owning and operating three state-licensed, full service infant, pre-school and kindergarten academies.Currently an education representative at ITT Technical Institute, Rubye still finds time to 'walk the walk' because she teaches education. She is a full-time student of Oral Roberts University, working on her Doctoral degree in Christian Education. She is active in her Sunday school class at First Assembly of God in North Little Rock where she continues to counsel and lead others in their quest to grow closer to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She conducts educational workshops and a motivational guest speaker for organizations and groups. Rubye is also an active member of the Pulaski County Republican Women Association as well as the secretary and a board member of the Arkansas Student Loan Authority Board, to which Governor Mike Huckabee appointed her. Rubye has been married to Leroy Emerson for more than 30 years and has two adult children, LeRoy W. Emerson and LaDana W. Emerson. She is also the grandmother of Dawnavan Noelani Emerson and LeRoi David Emerson.

My passion is that information must be shared with parents and students about the opportunities to attend college through grants, scholarships, fellowships and work-study. The family must understand the importance of early preparation (consistent study habits), good grades and completing applications for funds by the deadlines. The opportunity to obtain a free education, with a present and future (work) position, is highly possible.