I caved and applied to ODU's Distance-Learning PhD. Did I do the right thing?

A mediocre PhD trumps no PhD every time. Maybe a PhD from Harvard or whatever would be best but not everyone can, should, or even wants to go to a top-tier school for a variety of reasons. Just pick a decent school that isn't notorious/infamous and thumb your nose at the haters.

 

I would say ODU PhD is a good program, not just mediocre. However, Humanities PhDs suffer from degree glut for years; to have a reasonable chance for an academia job, a GREAT degree PLUS a manuscript contracted with a major university press might be needed. ODU PhD graduate in fields like Accounting and Finance will get a job easily. Computer science or Engineering - will get some job somewhere. Natural Sciences - will struggle. Humanities - virtually no chance outside very small schools and community colleges, UNLESS a student is a true star. It's not because a school is "bad" or "mediocre"; it's just what the market is.
The TS can, actually, try to leverage this program to move from adjunct to TT faculty at a community college. Or someone already teaching might get a raise. This is probably what they are shooting at with this program, and kudos to ODU for offering it in part-time format.

 

I agree with the spirit of your post, but would challenge the notion of a "mediocre PhD." Some PhDs are more powerful than others, sure, but (a) any PhD from a legitimate school cannot be considered "mediocre" and (b) it depends far more on what you do with it.

 

Actually, Cumberlands is a great choice in it's market segment. An unranked school with a convenient doctoral program. Better optics than Cal Southern or ASU, campus-based, non-profit, better price than most. Also good for international students who are after F1 status and Curricular Practical Training work permit