College

I serve Centre College now as a member of the Diversity Committee, mentor to Centre Posse 1, advisor to the College Democrats, and advisor to the Badminton Club.

I have served the college in the past as chair of the Anthropology and Sociology program, chair of the Publications Board, Chair of the Sexual Harrassment Committee, member of the Enrollment Committee, the Library Committee, the International Studies Committee, and the John C. Young (honors research program) Committee. And probably some others I have forgotten.

I have taught seminars and workshops for alumni and parents many times, as well as countless admissions events. I happily take part in the annual rituals of faculty caroling in the dorms,faculty and staff helping freshmen move in, and the odd scavenger hunt.

I try to organize a convocation each year. Among the more memorable topics have been:

Diversity and the Liberal Arts

The Centennial of Plessy v. Ferguson

A Celebration of Centre's U.S. Vice-Presidents [in conjunction with the 2000 Vice-Presidential candidates debate at Centre]

What Does the Bible Say About Homosexual Practice?

What is the Meaning of the "Rebel" Flag?

A symposium on "The Bell Curve" led by my senior seminar

A commemoration of the sesquicentennial of Danville Theological Seminary, now Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary.

I also wrote the history of the college.

Community

In Danville, I serve on the school council (site-based council) of Danville High School. I am the self-appointed "minister of yard signs" for the Boyle County Democratic Party.

I am a daily regular of The Hub Coffee House and Café, helping to mix town and gown. The Hub got connected to Danville as an outgrowth of my Cafés and Public Life class. That's me in the yellow shirt.

In the state I served on Gov. Brereton Jones' Public Education and Religion task force.

Nationally, I support the Democratic Leadership Council within the Democratic Party.

I am in favor of national greatness in public life.

Church

I am a member of the Presbyterian Church of Danville where I have served on the session and often teach adult Sunday School.

For Transylvania Presbytery I serve on the Nominating Committee and the Permanent Judicial Commission. In the past I have chaired the Judicial Business Committee.

For the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) I am now part of the Re-Forming Ministry Project .

In the past I have served on the PC (USA) Task Force on Changing Families, and the Task Force on Higher Education.