Personal

My professional life is a reflection of my personal life. I am a native of Eastern North Carolina, a rural region reinventing itself in the 21st century. Here, you'll find links to some of the places and quotes that inspire my research, teaching, and service.

Places

Goodbye, George Bailey: Decline of Rural Lending Crimps Small-Town Business (Link Here)

The US banking industry is experiencing technology and policy-driven consolidation - this article documents the effects of bank branch closures on the economies of Eastern NC communities such as Conway, NC. The above photo was taken just outside of Conway.

America's Basketball Heaven (ESPN Article)

Kinston, a small town in Eastern NC, is one of the leading producers of NBA talent in the US. Since the 1972-1973 season, the odds of a Kinston High School men's basketball player entering the NBA is 63 times greater than the national average.

B's BBQ (Link Here)

Located in an old convenience store just outside of Greenville, NC, B's BBQ opened in 1978. It does not have a phone, only takes cash, and closes for the day when they run out of food. When the ladies who run it retire, they plan to close their doors for the final time.

Quotes

Millions of North Carolinians living in poverty pay taxes to support your education.  

What are you going to do to pay them back?

Bill Friday (UNC System President; 1956–1986)