Most recently, he was an instructor in recreation management at Eastern Illinois University. He earned his bachelor’s degree in leisure studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a master’s degree in information systems management from DeVry University’s Keller School of Management, specializing in project management and his Ph.D. in recreation, sport and tourism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He also is a certified park and recreation professional.