Joe Edwards of General Shale Products received the degree of Doctorate of laws form Clemson University on December 21, 2000. He is the first Ceramic Materials Engineering graduate to be so honored. Edwards is known for his innovative contributions to the field of ceramic engineering and his dedicated leadership in the brick industry.

Edwards graduated from Clemson with a B.S. and M.S. in Ceramic Engineering in 1956 and 1957, respectively.