After completing his undergraduate work at Washington & Lee, he earned a law degree and a Ph.D. in educational leadership at Brigham Young University. He is Shenandoah regional chair for the Virginia School Board Association (VSBA), and he serves on the board of directors for the VSBA, he is chair for board of directors of the Jackson River Governors School, he is a member of the Buena Vista School Board, a member of the Perry McCluer Middle School parent advisory committee, a member of Enderly Heights Elementary School PTA, and he serves diligently as the Scoutmaster in a Buena Vista Boy Scout troop.