Possesses a Ph.D. degree in Horticulture; serves as interim program leader of agriculture and natural resources; served as interim assistant dean of academic programs for six years; established an 18-acre Holistic Organic Farm and an 8-acre sustainable demonstration site at Fort Valley State University. Taught organic gardening and other vegetable science courses; has written 8 books, a number of book chapters, and more than 240 research journals and professional articles. Served as president of the American Society of Plasticulture (1991-1993), an international scientific research society.