Born in Nashua, New Hampshire, he attended Phillips Exeter Academy and Columbia University, graduating in 1959.
His teaching methods were brought together in Literary Interpretations of Biblical Narratives, which appeared in 21 editions published by Abingdon Press between 1974 and 1982.
He chaired the English department, 1973–1978, and served as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences from 1978 to 1980.
He returned as Interim Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Bloomington Chancellor from 2004 to 2006.
He reported to system presidents John W. Ryan, Thomas Ehrlich, Myles Brand and Adam Herbert.