(with high distinction) in political science and economics from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota (1972). The following year he was a Rockefeller Fellow at Harvard Divinity School. He earned an M.A.
He graduated with honors in political science and economics from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota in 1972.  The next year, he received a Rockefeller Fellowship at Harvard Divinity School. He then earned his M.A. degree.