Explain your career path

AI started my educational career after graduating from Advanced High School and entering college at the University of the Ozarks where I played basketball from 1967-1971. I started my career after graduation as a Coach in the Carter County R-1 in Van Buren, MO. I retired as baseball coach with an undefeated regular season record in 1975. I continued as men's basketball coach and retired in 1978 with an undefeated regular season at 27-0, losing our only game in the State Sectionals in Springfield, MO on a last second shot. I moved on to Administration and spent from m1978 to 1987 as High School Principal at Van Buren. In 1987 I moved to Willard High School where I served as Principal until moving to the Central Office as Assistant Superintendent where I retired in 2002. After retirement from the public school system, I worked for Edison Schools of New York and STI in Alabama for several years. I have always fished tournaments and in 2000 had the opportunity to start a radio show which talked with local, regional and professional anglers across the country. In 2002 I was inducted into the Willard High School Hall of Fame for being the "Voice" of the Willard Tigers, starting the Four State Classic and Fishing. In 2021, the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame inducted me into their second class of Outdoor Sports for Fishing and Media. I continue to fish competitively and spend my spare time watching my beloved grandpups play basketball.

What was your major at Southeast and how would you characterize the quality of that program to prospective students?

1979 Masters in Education : This degree kicked off my career as a high school counselor. I had tremendous training at SEMO during my journey toward being a counselor. 1989 Specialist Degree in Education: This degree pushed me into the field of school administration and I served at Van Buren High School and Willard High School as a Secondary Principal. I later moved to the Central Office Administration as the Assistant Superintendent. I was lucky that all my instructors worked with me and taught things about the positions that I would successfully hold until 2002

Why did you choose to attend Southeast?

It was the closest University is driving distance from Van Buren, MO and I had relatives in and near Advance, MO where I graduated high school. It was the only University that I was familiar with.

Who influenced you most during your time at Southeast?

All the professors that I encountered during my education at SEMO who took the time to share experiences that I never thought I would encounter, but soon appreciated all that the department instructors shared with me.

Share your best college memory.

I enjoyed the companionship of students who I attended class with and the communication between faculty and students. One summer I played intramural softball and that was exciting.

What is the most important thing you learned while you were at Southeast?

You earn everything in life and very few things come to you unless you reach out and grab the ring as it comes by.

Describe Southeast in three words.

Exceptional educational experience!!!

What advice would you give current students or recent graduates interested in pursuing a career in your professional field?

Although I spent 30 years in the educational field and cherish each and every student that I had, I really believe that being the host on a radio show that promotes fishermen and angling activities has opened more doors for me than I could have expected. I have continued to fish professionally and earned recognition through the media. I utterly enjoyed education and the kids, but there is no comparison to the "tug on the end of the line" or getting a Pro angler to share his fishing secrets.