Although I’ve spent more than 40 years in a communication department, my academic training was in American Culture Studies, and my enduring interest has been in what some call "low culture." Before entering academia, I worked as a pool table mechanic, repairing tables in pool halls, bars, and bowling alleys across Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and Maryland.

I began my academic career working for and collaborating with Professor David Maurer, studying criminal argot in a dozen prisons across the United States. In 1990, I was asked to write a grant proposal for computer equipment. That project sparked a gradual shift in my focus toward scripting, programming, and supporting technology-driven initiatives.

In 1994, I created the first website on the University of Louisville campus. I went on to teach web development for several years before becoming department chair in 2002—a role I held for 21 years. Under my leadership, the Department of Communication became a campus leader in online education and launched the university’s only overseas degree program in partnership with Quality Leadership University in Panama.

Since stepping down as chair, I’ve focused on sustaining our Panama program and encouraging faculty-led study abroad initiatives.