He later graduated from Auburn University with a B.A. in political science in 1975 and took a job as an auditor before earning an M.S. in criminal justice from Troy State University in 1977 and beginning a career as a corrections officer.
After graduating with a B.A. in political science from Auburn University in 1975, he took a position as an auditor. He then earned an M.S. in criminal justice from Troy State University in 1977 and began his career as a corrections officer.