Bachelors degree in journalism and political science from Drury University (1988) and Masters degree in integrated marketing and communication from Drury (2001). Five years as managing editor of the weekly newspaper. Six years as public relations specialist in the communication and marketing department at Associated Electric Cooperative Inc., Springfield, Mo. Four years in alumni and development at Missouri State University. Author of six books and numerous newspaper articles, including weekly columns (for nearly 20 years) in the Springfield News-Leader and Greene County Commonwealth.