He holds a PhD in Cultural Studies from Ohio University. His research interests include African American university presidents during the mid 20th century, the U.S. during Reconstruction, contemporary U.S. History, as well as film, popular culture and sports studies. He has articles and book reviews published in various peer viewed journals and chapters published in edited books. He recently completed a co-edited book project titled Historicizing Fear that is in contract with University Press of Colorado and currently working on his second book on the life of Benner C. Turner, former president of South Carolina State University 1950-67.