He began his political career early, being elected president of his fifth-grade class at South Pratt Elementary School. He was also president of the Miles College Student Government Association during his senior year of college. He graduated from Western Olin High School in 1962 and received his undergraduate degree from Miles College in 1970.
He began his political career early, holding leadership positions in both his elementary school and college student government.  He completed his education at Western Olin High School in 1962 and Miles College in 1970.