Brenda Gammon promised her father-in-law she would keep going to school until he could call her “doctor.” In December 2016, that promise will become a reality; Brenda will receive her doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Maine.

Considering her humble beginnings as a high school dropout at age 16, reaching the educational milestone is impressive to say the least. But not surprising. She went back to high school only nine months after dropping out to get her diploma, and continued to show the value she places on education by earning her bachelor of science degree in elementary education in 1981, a master’s degree in elementary education in 2001 and a certificate of advanced study degree in educational leadership in 2007.

Name: Brenda Gammon

Age: 56

Hometown: Peru, Maine

Relationship status: Married for 40 years

Job: 10th year as director of Region 9, School of Applied Technology

Did you always know you wanted to be an educator? What was it about seeing the other educators in your family that made you want to pursue a career in education? There is a long line of educators both past and present in my family. Growing up, my mom, aunt and uncle were all educators. I also heard stories about my Grammy Berry (their mom) teaching, and how she would walk miles a day, crossing the river when it was iced over in the winter, to get to work. I loved helping my mom organize school papers and would put together her grade book each year. (I saw) how they appeared to enjoy going to work and make a difference in the lives of children. I enjoyed visiting their classrooms and my uncle’s principal’s office. Today I have three sisters, my brother, my two daughters, a niece and cousins that all are educators and/or work in the educational field.

What made you decide to go for your doctorate? I have always enjoyed taking courses and learning. My father-in-law always said to me that I should keep going to school until he could call me “doctor.” I laughed and told him that I would never be a medical doctor or a vet, so I guess I needed to stay in the educational field. I promised him that I would keep going to school until I earned my doctoral. My dad always encouraged us to work hard and reach our goals. So over 20 years ago, I made out a “bucket list” and getting my doctorate was on the list.

What were some challenges you faced in balancing your role as director of Region 9, mother, wife and student? Traveling to Orono for classes was a challenge. Often I would not get home until close to midnight, (only) to get up the next day and go to work. Juggling schedules of work, family and farm, missing out on events of family and friends, including a family trip to Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, and many school and sporting events of (my) grandchildren. But my grandchildren figured out a way to make me pay! For each event I missed, I had to put a dollar in a bank (account), and if two were on the same team I had to put two dollars in the bank.

How will your newly earned degree impact your role as director, your goals for Region 9, etc? I do not see the degree impacting my job at Region 9. Oh yes, people are calling me “Doctor Gammon” but that will pass. I see myself continuing to do the job I love each day and continuing to work in the field of education for years to come.

What is some advice you would give to the other working moms out there? First of all, be true to yourself. Set a goal and keep plugging away at it. Love what you are doing and surround yourself with a support network.

Whom do you thank and/or what do you attribute to your success? My mom, Elizabeth Swan Stearns, who, as an educator for 30 years, instilled the love of learning in me. My dad, Charles Clayton Swan, who taught me to always do my best (and) to never quit. My father-in-law, brother-in-law and my former high school guidance counselor, John Baker, who made the call in the summer of 1977 that inspired me to return to high school and earn my diploma. Finally, my husband, David E. Gammon, who has supported me, loved me and stood beside me for the past 40 years.