After retiring from a career in radio broadcasting, Mayes returned to school. He graduated summa cum laude from St. Edward's University in Austin with a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science in 2002 at age 78. He went on to earn a Master of Liberal Arts degree in 2005 and a Master of Business Administration in 2006 from St. Edward's University.
After hanging up his broadcasting hat, Mayes went back to school. He graduated with honors from St. Edward's University in Austin with a degree in Computer Science in 2002 at age 78, and then earned further degrees in Liberal Arts and Business Administration from the same university in 2005 and 2006.