From Barbershop to Bachelor’s Degree

Nick Baynes in cap and gown. Photo/provided.

Baynes's path to this milestone began more than a decade ago. The first in his family to graduate from high school, he entered the workforce early but first gained some college experience. He attended Cincinnati State for two years on academic and athletic scholarships, playing basketball. He then transferred to UC Clermont, where he excelled as an All-American athlete while majoring in pre-secondary education, planning to teach English. In his senior year, however, budget cuts in Cincinnati Public Schools led to widespread teacher layoffs, prompting Baynes to pivot. "I figured if I work for myself, I can't fire myself," he said. He dropped out with just four classes left, enrolled in barber school and built a successful career.

That decision led to owning multiple businesses, including his barbershop, Clifton Commercial Suites, at 2601 Short Vine St., near UC's uptown campus. Baynes cuts hair for UC football and basketball players, sells apparel through his clothing lines, and is working toward a license to sell official UC merchandise, turning part of his shop into a storefront. With a strong social media presence on Facebook, Instagram and X (@Nick_Da_Barber), he books appointments via his website, nickdabarber.com, and travels for vending events. Despite his success, Baynes felt unfinished. Thirteen years after dropping out, with daughters now 17, 9 and 6, he wanted to model completion for them. "When you start something, finish it," he said. "I own my own businesses, so I can't get a pay raise, but I can motivate my children."

Baynes kept his return to school a secret from most people, sharing it only with his wife, in-laws and one cousin who also graduated from UC. "I just wanted to get done and then make my announcement," he said, noting his barbershop's proximity to campus. He re-enrolled in 2024, consulting an adviser who recommended UC's online Bachelor of Arts in Professional Studies program, offered through the College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies. The flexible, 100 percent online degree is designed for working adults, allowing them to leverage prior work experience for academic credit and build skills in leadership, communication and professional data analysis. With many credits already earned, Baynes needed only a year of part-time study-taking one or two classes per semester-to finish.

The program's online format, using Canvas, an online learning platform, was crucial for balancing his schedule. Working four days a week (Wednesday through Saturday), Baynes used lunch breaks on Wednesdays and Thursdays for schoolwork, or dedicated Mondays and Tuesdays. "The flexibility was amazing," he said. "I travel a lot with my clothing lines for vending events-I even did assignments from my cousin's office in Louisville." Staying organized was key; he once missed two assignments while out of town but otherwise thrived. The curriculum aligned perfectly with his entrepreneurial life. In courses like foundations, communications and professional data skills, he drew on real experiences-from cutting hair for assorted clients to analyzing profits from his brands. "Everything they asked was what I do daily," he said. The program even granted extra credits early on, accelerating his progress.

Challenges were minimal for the tech-savvy Baynes, who adapted easily from the old Blackboard learning management system. "I'm a technology guy," he said. One professor docked points for a paper exceeding the page limit, and a group project in a team-building course involved a "ghost" member, but Baynes and two others powered through. "It was just me versus me-making sure I stayed organized," he reflected. With no major adversities, he maintained strong grades while running his businesses and family life.

As graduation nears, Baynes anticipates a profound personal impact. "It's the only thing I haven't finished-I don't quit a lot," he said. As the first in his family with a college degree, it's a major accomplishment that won't raise haircut prices, but it strengthens his connections within the UC community. Now a Bearcat for Life, Baynes looks forward to leveraging relationships with advisors and others for business opportunities, like the UC merchandise license. More importantly, it inspires his daughters and others. His advice to fellow working adults: "If you aren't organized, it's gonna be tough. But focus on your goal, set time aside and see it through-it's rewarding. If I can do it, others can too."

Baynes's journey underscores UC's commitment to accessible education for adult learners, with programs like professional studies drawing on real-world experience to facilitate degree completion. As he prepares to walk across the stage this December, Baynes's story is a reminder that it's never too late to finish strong, turning past pivots into future triumphs.

Featured image at top: University of Cincinnati celebrates its Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony (morning undergraduate). Photo/UC Marketing + Communications.

Leverage your professional experience for college credit! Get started today with the Bachelor of Arts in Professional Studies-the direct path to turning your work history into a recognized degree.