- Department: Political Science
- University: Clemson University
- Location: South Carolina
I was educated at a Christian college, Abilene Christian University, and went to graduate school in Washington, D.C. and finished at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. I had a distinct crisis of faith during graduate school and upon finishing my degree. Francis Schaeffer, and the work of L'Abri Fellowship was very instrumental in my thinking and subsequent scholarship. I am now a ruling elder at Clemson Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Clemson, S.C.
Favorite Quote
"Being a Christian is an education in itself," C.S. Lewis
Friends describe me
as dull.
My hobbies
I only have two hobbies, reading and writing. My vocation of politics is also a calling in that I work with candidates who run for political office.
Fantasy dinner guests
Francis Schaeffer, T.S. Eliot and John Calvin.
Best advice I ever received
"Read biography, not history."
My undergrad alma mater
Abilene Christian College.
My worst subject in school
Calculus.
In college I drove
Oldsmobile 442, two-door stick shift.
If I weren't a professor, I would
be a political consultant or a professional writer.
Favorite books
T.S. Eliot, "Selected Poems," J.I. Packer, "Knowing God," and Francis Schaeffer, "The God Who Is There."
Favorite movies
Recent movies I like: "The Painted Veil," "Cry The Beloved Country," and "To End All Wars."
Favorite city
Nashville, Tennessee
Favorite coffee
None, I don't drink the stuff.
Nobody knows I
I was a college athlete in track and field, once held the New Mexico state records in the mile and two-mile runs.
My latest accomplishment
Just published the second edition of THE NEW SOUTHERN POLITICS and have a proposal to write a biography of former President George W. Bush.
Current Research
American politics, southern politics and presidential leadership.