Two teachers can now be addressed as “doctor.”

Social studies teacher Ben Smitherman and math teacher Nicole Hardison earned their doctoral degrees last semester.

Dr. Smitherman earned a doctorate in history from Liberty University. It took him four years to earn while working full time.

“I dedicated the time; I’ve always been good at balancing my schedule,” Dr. Smitherman said “I’ve been coaching, having multiple jobs, and teaching at a community college.”

Dr. Smitherman always wanted to earn his doctorate.

He says he changed his mind a hundred times in high school, but “I’ve always been a good student from the time I was little so it made sense to go to school until I was all the way done. The reality is just putting in the work.”

Dr. Hardison received her doctorate in curriculum and construction, also from Liberty University. It took her two and a half years.

“I wanted to be able to improve my knowledge of how to teach material and bridge the gap between all the subjects,” she said. “Balancing school and work was a challenge.”

For Dr. Hardison, the worst obstacle was “writing in APA style which was harder since I’m 52 and have been out of school for a while.”

The doctoral degree is the highest degree attainable after a bachelor’s, master’s and education specialist degree.