 He received an honorable discharge from the US Air Force, and transferred to West Virginia University for his sophomore and junior years, continuing his undergraduate study of Chemistry.He was granted early acceptance into the WVU School of Dentistry in 1985, and graduated with a Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) in 1989.Following an unsuccessful campaign for Rowan County Commissioner in 1996, he became active in the Republican Party, serving as county finance chairman and then vice-chairman.