MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Graduation weekend was extra special for one Middle Tennessee State University professor and his family, as he and his son earned degrees from the university during its spring commencement ceremonies. 

Dan Eschenfelder, who teaches in the School of Journalism and Strategic Media in the College of Media and Entertainment, walked across the stage at Murphy Center with his master’s degree in liberal arts on Friday, May 3 — followed the next day by his son Cameron crossing the same stage with his bachelor’s in geosciences from the College of Basic and Applied Sciences.  

“I was very proud to share this moment with my son,” said Dan. “I didn’t want to take any attention away from him on his big day. I wanted him to be the focus of this accomplishment because I am so proud of him. … I’m happy MTSU did not schedule both of ours in the same ceremony.”  

The father and son duo, who are Sigma Pi brothers, both wore their fraternity’s stole and stoles representing the Middle Tennessee News teaching laboratory.

And they also donned identical study abroad flag sashes from their study abroad adventures to Mexico, France, England and Scotland, where the pair worked on the documentary “The Other Side of Cabo,” which focuses on children living in impoverished conditions in a tourist destination, and two other multimedia projects at various stops.

“The many trips we have been able to take outside of the country led me to pursue a master’s in international administration,” Cam said. 

As for what’s next for this father and son, Cam will attend the University of Miami in the fall to work on his Master of Arts in International Administration with a concentration in Geospatial Technology. 

“Honestly, I couldn’t have completed my undergraduate degree or created my resume if I didn’t have my parents encouraging me along the way,” Cam said. “While I was buried in work sometimes, my dad was steady as a rock as a parent and as a student, and I hope to emulate him as I complete my master’s.” 

Dan, whose wife Christine also teaches in the School of Journalism and Strategic Media, was recently promoted from lecturer to instructor within the college.

“My corporate experience as a television news executive prior to teaching was the reason I was able to teach,” said Dan, who previously worked as a news photojournalist, chief videographer and news director. “But I’ve always had a bit of an imposter syndrome, not having all the academic credentials as my colleagues. That had to change.”

“My co-workers have been very supportive of my academic journey, and I am lucky to have a group of people I work with who never saw me as anything less.” 

—   DeAnn Hays (deann.hays@mtsu.edu)