Third-generation Weber State grad receives same degree as mom, grandma

August 22, 2023

OGDEN, Utah — Teaching runs in the family of Jericho Robbins, who graduated this spring with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the Jerry & Vickie Moyes College of Education at Weber State University.

It’s the school where his mother and grandmother also studied — and earned the exact same degree.

“I grew up around teaching,” Jericho said. “Both my mom and grandma got me started on that path.”

In 2000, when Jericho was four months old, his mother, Camellia Robbins, graduated with her bachelor’s degree from WSU. Today, she teaches kindergarten at North Summit Elementary School in Coalville, Utah, where Jericho went to school.

“I always knew I wanted to be a teacher because of my mom,” Camellia said. “She brought me along to Weber sometimes and I’d sit in on her night classes. It was always fascinating.”

Louise Willoughby, Camellia’s mother and Jericho’s grandmother, earned her bachelor’s from WSU in 1990. She spent 34 years as an educator before retiring earlier this year.

“I was overcome by emotions when I saw Jericho graduate,” Willoughby said. “I’ve seen how he interacts with students and he’s going to do such a great job shaping the next generation of learners.”

Jericho originally set out to study business, but a break between semesters provided an opportunity for him to help at Silver Summit Elementary in Park City, Utah, where his grandmother served as principal.

“They needed more teaching aids, so I got involved and became even more immersed in the world of education,” he said. “I loved being part of students’ progress, and it felt better to me than business and finances.”

He continued to help at Willoughby’s school for another four years, which he said complemented his studies at Weber State.

“All our assignments are relevant to our careers, things we’re actually going to apply to our classrooms,” he said. “Most of my professors also have experience teaching in elementary or middle schools, so they brought their real-world experience to us.”

Jericho said professors were accessible, with several offering their cell phone numbers so that he could call or text if he needed guidance.

Throughout his studies, he drew inspiration from his mother and grandmother, along with his aunt, Micaela Richins — yet another family member who earned a degree in elementary education from WSU.

“My family was always encouraging me on the path to teaching,” he said. “There’s a high demand for teachers and my family is definitely helping with that.”

Jericho has since secured a job teaching sixth grade at Mountain Green Middle School. He said he looks forward to helping students learn and grow.