When Jeffrey Odham walked across the stage at Craven Community College in 2007 to receive his associate in applied science in Marketing and Business Administration, he was completing a journey that began a decade earlier. After graduating from New Bern High School in 1997, Odham started his studies at Craven but put them on hold as his career took shape. When the opportunity for a leadership role arose, he returned to finish his degree—an achievement that laid the groundwork for both his professional and civic leadership.
"Work took me towards a career path where I paused my college studies," Odham said. "When a leadership position opened up, I knew I needed to complete my pursuit of a degree. The courses and professors were aimed at providing real-world training to prepare me for my career.”
That preparation has served him well. Today, Odham is a multi-state manager, leading a team of more than 50 employees across sales and operations. At the same time, he has dedicated himself to public service, representing New Bern as an alderman for nine years before being elected mayor in 2022.
Odham points to his Craven education as a meaningful foundation for both career advancement and community leadership. His advice to current and future students is simple but powerful: “Don’t discount the power a local degree from CCC can provide. People often get caught up in feeling the need to go away to college. That isn’t always the case. CCC, especially now with the Volt Center, can provide quality educations which will allow students to thrive without having to move.”
From the classroom to City Hall, Odham's journey demonstrates the power of a community college education. His leadership is a testament to the impact a Craven graduate can have when leading at the highest level in his hometown.
(Mayor Jeffrey Odham generously shared his story as a Craven CC alumnus. Craven CC is a nonpartisan institution and does not endorse or oppose any candidate for elected office.)
