I received my Doctoral Degree in Public Administration from Valdosta State University in 2011. I joined the VSU faculty in August 2012. Prior to that, I ran a successful criminal justice program at a local community college for several years. Prior to my work in the community college, I worked in law enforcement for approximately ten years in the positions of detention officer, patrol officer, and state probation officer.  While with probation, my caseload consisted of violent, sexual, and substance abusing offenders. The highlight of my law enforcement career was to be involved in the development of a very successful day reporting center here in South Georgia which continues to serve felons who have chronic addictions.

My research interests are varied and have included topics such as substance abuse, program evaluations, policy analysis and mass violence. My more recent research has been focused on rural criminology, agricultural crimes, violence in K-12 education, youth bullyuing and sexual harrassment behaviors.

When I’m not teaching, I like to spend time with my wife and two daughters who keep us busy with their many extracurricular activities.