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GARYSBURG – After more than 50 years as a barber, George M. Jerman, Sr. is retiring, and he’s also handing over his school – Jerman’s Institute of Barbering and Cosmetic Arts (JIBCA) – to his son, Dr. G. Marshall Jerman, Jr., who also worked there as an instructor.

To celebrate the occasion, the Jerman family sent off their last class of students in style. A graduation ceremony was held on Saturday, Sept. 21 at Something Different in Garysburg, the business where Jerman Sr. and his family have made their living for the past few decades.

“You can’t sit back and let things come to you. You’ve got to go after what you want in life,” said Jerman Jr. as he addressed the graduates during the ceremony.

Using the biblical story of David and Goliath as an example, he encouraged the aspiring barbers to be bold, take action, and use their gifts to help others.

The graduates recognized during the event included A’Jalon Brown, Savion Cole, Darrien Jerman, DeAndre’ Jerman, Devin Jerman, Cecil Jones, Jarrett McClendon, Stephen Smith, and Lark Stewart.

Following the presentation of certificates, Jerman Sr. officially turned the school over to his son’s hands by giving him the “Undeniable Legacy” award.

“Your outstanding dedication and enthusiasm has made a remarkable impact on the lives of every scholar, every staff member,” Jerman Sr. said. “We appreciate your proficiency, hard work, creativity in every area of your God-given gift and aspiration. Keep pushing forward and continue to inspire others.”

Jerman Jr. told the News Herald after the graduation event that he has plans for the school moving forward. He said that they’ll probably relocate in order to reach a wider demographic of people, but he also wants to develop an online aspect of the program as well.

JIBCA first opened its doors in 2020 at a location in Jackson, and it was the only institute of higher learning located within Northampton County.

“When we started it here in Northampton County, we really wanted to provide opportunity for people who are in Northampton and surrounding counties, to be able to help the economy in this area,” Jerman Jr. explained.

He said many students across the state have trouble passing their exams to become a barber, so with his doctoral studies as Western Carolina University, he’s worked in the past few years to develop a curriculum which can help close that achievement gap, and it has been successful so far at JIBCA. He wants to meet barbering students on every level and be able to help them follow their chosen career path.

“Our plan is to meet you where you are,” he said.

Jerman Sr. told the News Herald he was excited to see how his son will carry on the legacy of the school, and he was proud of the students recognized during the graduation.

When asked if he would miss the work, Jerman Sr. said that he didn’t think so. He’s still going to help out here and there, but he’s shifting his focus towards his new outreach ministry instead. GMG Ministry (God – Mind – Gut) focuses on connecting God with taking care of your physical and mental health.

Jerman Sr. said barbering has always been his passion – because it’s a profession that helps people look better and feel good about themselves – but God is calling him to help people another way now with the ministry.

“Words cannot express how grateful and how joyful I feel right now,” he concluded.