Voorhees Alumnus successfully defends his dissertation at Trevecca Nazarene University

November 11, 2020

Voorhees College Graduate Dr. Gary Edwards recently defended his dissertation to complete his doctoral program at Trevecca Nazarene University.

Edwards earned a doctorate in education in leadership and professional practice. His dissertation is titled "Examining the Factors that Influence African American Students' Persistence at a Historically Black College and University.

He said after finishing his program, he counts it all joy. "As a first-generation college student, successfully defending my dissertation was an auspicious occasion and humbling experience, as I am honored to join the 2% club in earning my doctoral degree."

Edwards said now that he is done will continue to contribute to the ever-changing field of higher education. "I aspire to change minds and change lives through innovative program development, professional speaking, and strategic student success initiatives; the real work starts now."

He earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Voorhees College in 2012 and a master's degree in counseling psychology from Alabama A&M University. Currently, he serves as the director of advising and academic student success initiatives at Edward Waters College.

While at Voorhees, Edwards was a member of the Eta Iota Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., TRIO Student Support Services, where he served as president, Scales of Justice Criminal Justice Club, which he is the co-founder.

Edwards is a native of Piedmont, S.C., and is married to wife Kwan.