EDUCATION

Ph.D. Graduate Institute of Liberal Arts: Emory University
M.A. History: University of Central Missouri
M.Div. Theology: Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
M.A. Literature: University of Central Missouri 
B.A. Philosophy: Missouri State University

RECENT ACADEMIC CONFERENCES

Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque Interdisciplinary Symposium, University of Miami
Southwest Seminar in Early Modern Philosophy, University of New Mexico
Classical Philosophy Colloquium, Princeton University
Slavery and the Constitution of Race, Gilder-Lehrman Center, Yale University
Teaching and Learning Using New Technologies, United States Military Academy
Symposium 02, National Museum of Naval Aviation, Pensacola Naval Air Station
William James Lecture on Religion, Harvard Divinity School

CIVIC  ACTIVITIES (Current/Previous)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             West Point Parents Club,Fl Gulf Coast Chapter: Officer

Florida Aviation Historical Society, Member

East Lake Community Library: Advisory Board
OV-1 Mohawk Association (Aviation): Board of Directors, Member
Army Aviation Association of America: Member
Day Spring Academy (Charter School): Board of Directors
Civil Air Patrol (United States Air Force Auxiliary): Rank of Major
     Aerospace Education Officer, Tactical Officer, Moral Leadership Officer, Pilot

MILITARY SERVICE

Missouri Army National Guard
635th Assault Helicopter Company: Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. 
United States Army Instructor: Combat Surveillance and Electronic Warfare School Training Center, Ft. Huachuca, Az.
Aerial Reconnaissance: 73rd Surveillance Aircraft Company; Vung Tau, Vietnam
Training: Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. and Fort Huachuca, Az.

INTELLECTUAL AUTOBIOGRAPY

It was my good fortune to spend most of my early years in Nixa, Missouri - seven miles from the city where Brad Pitt grew up and the place of birth of Jason Bourne of the movies Bourne Identity, Bourne Supremacy and Bourne Ultimatum; and, yes, (like those of you who know me) I see similarities. I was the last, but not the least, of five children in a close lower middle class family.

I graduated from high school without distinction, prospects or ideas. Following a brief casual encounter with post secondary education I found myself in the United States Army. In what has frequently been described as a "miracle" I successfully completed military training. Recognizing my value, the Pentagon immediately ordered me to a place called "Vietnam" in 1968-69. This experience caused me to think. Everyone who knew me was astonished by this, and so was I. When my work in the war was finished, the Army made me an instructor in infrared reconnaissance systems of the OV-1 Mohawk aircraft so that I could pass along my war stories to poor souls who were preparing to serve the nation as I had. I did this faithfully until my military obligation was fulfilled.

Persuaded by my commander that I would be of greater service to my country as a civilian, I returned to college despite the recommendations of some misguided professors. I completed my undergraduate degree, avoiding high grades which might become a source of irritation to others.

In pursuit of a bachelors degree it became obvious to me that professors had it made, and I decided I wanted to be one. So, I embarked on graduate studies. As with many before me, the wisdom of this decision was confirmed by the recognition that continued schooling meant postponing getting a real job and being burdened with responsibilities. Through determination, willingness to endure humiliation, dumb luck and spousal support I eventually completed my doctorate at "Still Undefeated" Emory University in Atlanta. Jane Fonda received an honorary degree at my graduation, so you could say we are in the same alumni class, but we don't get together much.

I have been at SPC since 1983. I can truthfully state, without boasting, that I have survived hurricanes, innumerable bureaucratic meetings, obligatory annual reforms implemented to save higher education, professional technomania, more administrators than I can recall, students who were brighter and better informed than I was, junk food and my own flying (no aircraft destroyed since 1980). Furthermore, I still find consolation in good students, good friends, good books and receiving a paycheck. I have one heir, Quinton, enjoying his Firstie (Senior) year at the United States Military Academy at  West Point, who is the best son anyone ever owned.