I have always enjoyed nature and outdoors. Over the years, my special interests have included dog training, bass fishing, nature watching, paddling and outdoor writing.

My interests in dogs began with the raising and training of bird dogs. This transferred into helping people with their household pets. For more than ten years, I trained dogs professionally and owned one of the largest obedience schools in the Midwest--K-9 College.. I am still involved in helping people with their pets through my Internet site, Training You to Train Your Dog.

Bass fishing can take many shapes and forms. I used to spend quite a bit of time fishing bass tournaments. In fact, I was one of the State Champions representing Indiana in the Bass Angler Sportsman Society's first Federation National Championship in 1973. Now, fishing for bass is something I do just for fun, but I am very interested in promoting fishing with our young people. I have started a national organization, FishingKids to provide educational programs for children.

I have been very fortunate to have the opportunity to fill several senior leadership positions in higher education, but this has limited my time in the outdoors. This has increased my appreciation for our environment and learning in the outdoors. I have found some time to do some outdoor writing and have been fortunate to have articles published in national sport magazines.

Currently, I am a U.S. Merchant Marine Officer with an USCG Captain with Master's Certification. I enjoy piloting the 45' Cardinal environmental learning boat taking the public to explore the Neches River with Cardinal River Adventures.