 He graduated from Blackford High School, Hartford City, Indiana in 1978.He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Notre Dame in 1982, a Master of Science degree in International Relations from Troy State University in 1989, a Master of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Florida in 1994, and a Ph.D. in Astronautical Engineering from the U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology in 1997.He has attended the U.S. Air Force Squadron Officer School, the Air Command and Staff College Associate Program, and the Air War College.