I have a day job at a place called Duke University that has been a blessing in so many ways. Before coming to Duke in 2001, I worked in corporate communications with Wachovia Bank and as a reporter and assistant editor for the Kernersville News. Among previous jobs not listed on my resume include bartender, painter, dragon slayer (that what I told my two daughters when they were young before leaving for work each day) and tobacco farm hand.

I grew up in Snow Hill, North Carolina, and stayed in-state for my college education, earning a bachelor’s degree in English from Guilford College and a master’s in English and Afro-American Literature from North Carolina A & T State University.

I live in Raleigh, North Carolina,  with my wife, Christine, and our two wondrously unique and beautiful daughters.