He received his B.A. in English from the University of Iowa (1977) and his M.A. in English (1981) and Ph.D. in English and American Studies (1986) from Indiana University. He previously taught at Lafayette College and has taught at the University of Massachusetts since 1990. He has been the director of American Studies (1997-2000), director of undergraduate studies in English (2000-2006, 2009-2016), and associate chair of the department (2006-2009). He has been chair of the department since fall 2016. He is the recipient of the university's Outstanding Academic Advisor Award, the Outstanding Teacher Award and the Distinguished Faculty Service Award from the College of Humanities and Fine Arts, and other awards, grants, and fellowships.