More than 20 years after graduating from high school, Patrick Edwards walked back into a classroom, this time not just for himself, but for his family and his future. Before starting his college journey, his life was already filled with service, leadership and real-world experience.
After finishing high school in 2002, Edwards enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he served for six years. Following his time in the military, he spent the next 15 years in ministry as a pastor, dedicating his life to serving others through faith. In 2020, he transitioned into law enforcement.
Even after years of pouring into others, Edwards felt called to something more.
“I wanted to increase my abilities at work and further my professional career, but I also wanted to set a good example for my children,” Edwards said. “If they could see me going back to school at my age, they would understand the importance of being educated.”
That decision led him to pursue a career in criminal investigations, something that required him to take a major step: going back to college for the first time after being out of the education system for more than two decades.
As an investigator, Edwards works with digital forensics in cases that impact families on a deeper level.
“I like to catch the real monsters,” Edwards said. “The ones who are out there to truly hurt people, especially children.”
In 2023, Edwards enrolled at Jones College and began working toward his associate degree, completing it in just three semesters. At the same time, he was balancing a full life outside of school.
“I chose Jones as my starting point because it was affordable, and the online program made it possible for me to keep working while going to school,” Edwards said.
Edwards worked as a deputy with the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office while taking online classes and supporting his wife and four children. Between work, family and school, the schedule was not easy, but he stayed committed to his goal.
“It was intimidating. I had been out of school for over 20 years, and trying to remember some of the basics was a challenge,” Edwards said. “But with the support of my family, professors at Jones College and the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, I stayed motivated and pushed through it.”
Criminal justice instructor Chris Odom has seen that same drive in students like Edwards, especially those who return to the classroom with a clear purpose and something to prove.
“Students who come back to school later in life, like Patrick, really stand out because of their focus and determination,” Odom said. “They’re juggling work, family and school, but they tend to be very intentional with their time. Students like him don’t just go through the motions; they are here with a clear purpose, and that makes a big difference.”
That purpose is backed by experience, something that can’t be taught, but is carried into the classroom.
“Students with military or law enforcement backgrounds usually bring a strong sense of structure and discipline,” Odom said. “They bring real-world experience into the classroom, which strengthens both their learning and the overall class environment.”
For Edwards, that discipline became essential as he balanced work, family and school, especially in an online setting that required consistency and self-motivation.
“The students who do well online are the ones who stay organized, manage their time and stay engaged,” Odom said. “Students returning after time away from school often come back more focused and motivated.”
For those working in law enforcement, learning does not stop once they enter the profession.
“Continuing education is essential in law enforcement because the field is always evolving,” Odom said. “It’s not just about career advancement, it’s about being more effective and informed in the field.”
Going back to school later in life came with challenges, but Edwards remained focused on what he was working toward.
During his time at Jones, Edwards graduated with a 4.0 GPA, earned President’s List honors all three semesters, received the Letter “J” Award and was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa, demonstrating his dedication both in and out of the classroom.
Now, he is just one semester away from graduating Mississippi State University with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies, focusing on criminology, behavior analytics and history.
“Knowing that in one semester I will have my bachelor’s degree from my dream school is life-changing,” Edwards said. “It opens doors for my career, helps my family and gives me a sense of pride that I didn’t have before.”
The degree will allow Edwards to build on the work he is doing and continue advancing in the field of investigations.
His journey is about more than just a career change. It is a story of growth, faith and the willingness to step into something unfamiliar.
From the military, ministry and now criminology, each chapter of his life has shaped who he is today and where he is headed next.
“There were times I didn’t know if I could do it,” Edwards said. “But I kept going because I wanted my family to see that it’s never too late to change your life. If I can do it, anybody can.”
As he prepares to graduate, Edwards’ journey is a reminder that success does not follow a set timeline, and that it is never too late to take a different path.
by Savanna Edwards
