FRANKLIN — When Joe Edenfield stepped out of the Darden College of Education building at Old Dominion University in April, something felt very different.

“It was the same birds singing, the same blue sky, but it was a whole new world,” Edenfield said.

The dean of the Paul D. Camp Community College Franklin Campus had just completed his dissertation defense for his doctorate of philosophy in community college leadership — a goal he has strived to achieve for seven years.

With a full-time job and a family, the journey hasn’t been easy.

“And during the entire process, life happened,” he said.

Edenfield was in the first cohort to begin the distance learning program at ODU in 2003.

He was enrolled in the doctorate program and working at Patrick Henry Community College in Martinsville when he got the job at PDCCC in Franklin.

In addition to relocating, his daughter under went major surgery at a Minnesota hospital and his father passed away.

“It has been a long, hard road,” Edenfield said. “But, when you fall down, you pick yourself up, you dust yourself off and you keep going.”

Maintaining that outlook carried him through to a much-anticipated graduation day.

“It was one of those experiences where you are so excited, you can’t remember much,” he said.

However, Edenfield noted that graduates receiving doctorate degrees were announced last, when most folks had left the event.

“I was up there shaking hands with the president, and it was dead quiet,” he said. “I heard this familiar voice call out, ‘You go, Dr. Daddy,’”— words of encouragement from his 12-year-old son.

Completing the degree will allow Edenfield to advance in his career to a vice presidency, and ultimately, a president’s position.

“I can’t tell you how helpful everyone has been at the college,” he said. “They realize the importance of continuing education.”

He advises anyone thinking about undertaking a doctorate to surround themselves with mentors and become one as well.

“If you’re in the process, reach back and help the ones behind you,” he said. “This is not a sprint. It’s a marathon. You’ve got to be tenacious. You can’t give up.”

“Hopefully, (my kids) will pick up (on the fact) that education is very important and will pursue it with a passion,” Edenfield added.

Edenfield has a bachelor of science degree from University of South Carolina and a master’s degree in accountancy with emphasis on taxation from the University of Georgia. He lives in Franklin with his wife, Kristy; daughter, Hayden, 17; and son, Christian, 12. His mother, Jane, resides in Irmo, S.C.