Hometown: Greensboro, N.C. Institutions that shaped me at an early age: F.D. Bluford Elementary School. Boy Scout Troop #442 (Grace Lutheran Church). Lincoln St. Junior High. Woodberry Forest School. Governor’s School of North Carolina (’73).
After my sophomore year I dropped out of NC A&T State University and enlisted in the Navy. Following training, I reported to the fast attack submarine, USS Hammerhead (SSN-663). After several operational patrols, I volunteered for the pre-commissioning crew of USS Michigan (SSBN-727 (B)) where I completed five deterrent patrols. At the end of my enlistment I was selected to attend the Naval Science Institute in Newport, Rhode Island, then on to the NROTC unit at Florida A&M University, where I earned a reserve Naval commission and a B.S. degree in Economics (1987). Following graduation, I reported to the USS Luce (DDG-38), where I completed division officer tours in engineering and weapons systems. I resigned my commission and joined the U.S. Foreign Service in May, 1992. Later, while assigned to Embassy London, I completed an M.A. degree at the School of Oriental and African Studies (University of London, 1997). I had overseas assignments in Guinea-Bissau, The United Kingdom, Angola, Ghana, Egypt, Iraq, and Syria.
I look forward to expanding participation in hobbies and interests I have always had, especially reading and writing poetry. In retirement I completed a graduate degree in library and information science and am currently working part-time as a consultant archivist and librarian. In my spare time, I lead a study group exploring the works of August Wilson, my favorite playwright.
August Wilson's American Century Cycle 