Curiosity and passion drive UAA's youngest graduate

Rainey Spurlock first enrolled at UAA when she was 13, taking classes at Mat-Su College alongside her grandmother. Now, at 17, the communications major and undergraduate commencement speaker for the spring Class of 2026 is UAA's youngest-ever graduate, according to a search of available records.

After spending several years as an actor in California, Spurlock moved back to Alaska around the start of COVID-19 with her grandparents, who are also her adoptive parents. Spurlock credits her grandmother Brenda for imbuing her with a love of education and learning growing up. Not only did she homeschool her, but she also set an example by regularly taking college courses for fun.

So when a school counselor suggested Spurlock take a college class online, her grandmother had an even better idea: "Why don't we just go together and take classes?"

Spurlock entered college without any prior background or expectations - she had never written an essay before and didn't know what a bachelor's degree was. Although initially intimidating, she quickly settled into the experience thanks in part to her grandmother's support.

"She's my best friend. She's my colleague. It's been such an honor to be able to do everything with her," said Spurlock. "Anytime that I'm in a class and I don't know what I'm doing, she'll take her time to help me."

After a few successful semesters, the duo decided to pursue degrees together, opting for the B.A. in communication. For the younger Spurlock, who graduated high school at 15 and previously taught speech and debate, the major combines her love of public speaking, acting and communicating.

"I'm very proud of a lot of the things that I've done in my time at UAA. I've done a lot, just grown so much as a person. I feel like I can attribute a lot of my success to everything that I've learned in my communications degree," said Spurlock, who also started her pop music career in earnest during her time as an undergraduate.

For much of the past year, she's traveled back and forth from Nashville, collaborating with a team to produce several songs set to be released under the name Rainey Laine. She's also partnered with her grandmother to launch a nonprofit called Your Path, Your Purpose that encourages other students, especially those in rural Alaska, to follow their boldest dreams - leading by example with her own accomplishments.

"I'm no genius, you know? I was just able to believe in myself and to work hard, and not doubt myself or my intelligence, and to follow my ambition," said Spurlock on graduating with her bachelor's degree at 17. "I really want to share that. I want people to realize how accessible their dreams are, and to really take hold of all the opportunities that they can to get what they want."

In addition to earning bachelor's degrees and starting a nonprofit together, Spurlock and her grandmother are already working in tandem toward another dream: obtaining their master's in project management. The pair is two semesters into UAA's accelerated program that allows students to begin coursework as undergraduates. Unsure of what to expect at first, Spurlock (who recalls once telling her middle school counselor "that leadership is my purpose in life and it's the reason that I get up in the morning") found the program perfectly suited to her passion for leadership and planning.

With so many opportunities and potential paths ahead, Spurlock encourages the graduating class to pause and appreciate themselves.

"You have done something that so many people are not able to do, that so many people dream of doing and completing. You have done something so amazing. You should be so proud of yourself."