Fun Facts

What do you like most about your field?

The law is relevant and always adapting. Those two characteristics make the study of law interesting to me. I also appreciate that students can enter law school from any discipline, so I often have the opportunity to engage with students of all majors as they ponder whether or not a legal career might be a path worth pursuing.

Why did you enter the teaching profession?

Outside of my parents, some of my college professors were among the most influential people in my life. I enjoyed the private practice of law, but I had a constant tug that I wanted the opportunity to make the kind of difference in people's lives that those professors made in mine. When the opportunity to return to Ouachita presented itself, I jumped at the chance. I've immensely enjoyed the chance to work alongside wonderfully talented and caring colleagues as we've sought to invest in the lives of our students.

What is a favorite moment of working with students at Ouachita?

There are so many favorite moments. There are certainly big moments like watching our Enactus team advance deep into National Competition or celebrating a team finishing 1st, 2nd or 3rd place in the statewide Governor's Cup Business Plan Competition. But over the years, I've come to appreciate the simple moments I get to experience with students. Seeing the "aha" moment when a student grasps a difficult concept in class, or the after-class question from a student who is going beyond what we discussed in class, or the office conversation about how a student might integrate his/her faith into the workplace, or connecting a great student with a great employer – there are so many small victories worth celebrating every day. And what I think is truly unique about Ouachita is that many of my favorite interactions are with students I taught years ago. The relationships are real, and they last far beyond the four years we spend together on campus.

If you were anything other than a professor, what would you be and why?

Some years ago, my wife and I were at a conference and we had an interesting conversation about what we might go back and do differently if we could. I told her I had an interest in medical school. I've always wanted to be in the business of helping people, and I surely admire the doctors who do that well. Through the years, I've learned that the help I render to students in the business school might not be as urgent or even apparent, but I have become convinced that I'm very much in a business that helps people. So at the end of the day, I wouldn't go back and change a thing.

What is your favorite place on campus and why?

My favorite place on campus is wherever good people are having meaningful conversation. And, thankfully, that happens all over the place! I must say, though, I'm pretty partial to Hickingbotham Hall. It's a wonderful place to work, study, learn and thrive.  

Areas of Expertise

Featured Courses Taught:

• Legal Environment of Business
• Senior Seminar 

Involvement

• Deacon and Sunday School teacher, Park Hill Baptist Church Arkadelphia
• President, Arkadelphia Promise Board of Directors (2010 - present)