For several years he worked for the U.S. State Department on matters related to African countries that had been colonies and were making the transition to independent nationhood.
As Carleton's president, he helped launch the "Science, Technology, and Public Policy" program and expanded and remodeled the school's library.
While at Carleton, he was a respected leader who challenged the faculty and raised awareness throughout the community.
After leaving Carleton, Edwards returned to Pakistan, going to Karachi to join the Secretariat of His Highness the Aga Khan, heading the Department of Health, Education and Housing.
He was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2000 and was succeeded by Barry Mills in 2001.