He received his Ph.D. in Economics with concentrations in monetary economics, international economics, and applied econometrics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 2010. He is the recipient of United Methodist Exemplary Teacher Award from the University of Evansville for 2015-2016, Class of 1961 Faculty Fellowship Award from the University of Evansville for 2014-2015, Dean’s Research Award from the Schroeder School of Business at the University of Evansville for 2014-2015, Dean’s Teaching Award from the Schroeder School of Business at the University of Evansville for 2015-2016 and 2012-2013, and J. Fred and Wilma A. Holly Fellowship from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville for 2006-2010.