Les graduated from Claymont High School, Uhrichsville, Ohio in 1973 where he lettered in basketball and baseball. He was also a member of the Boy Scouts of America and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Les received his Bachelors in Accounting from the University of Akron in 1979. During his years at the University of Akron he was on the Executive Board of Black United Students. He received his Masters in Higher Education Administration from Kent State University in 1991.
A Certified Public Accountant, Les was employed at Kent State University in 1986. In 1988, he was named the Bursar for Kent State University. As Bursar, he was responsible for managing, establishing, and implementing duties and procedures for the operation of the Bursar’s Office.
Les oversaw five departments: Accounts Receivables Student, Cashiering, Collections, Administration and Accounting. The Bursar’s office was responsible for the University Receivables for the Kent campus as well as the seven regional campuses.
Les was a facilitator for KSU Communications Technology improvement by serving on many implementation teams. He also served as a consultant on six standing committees for KSU.
He has served as President and Treasurer of the Ohio Bursar’s Association, worked on the KSU United Way Campaign, and the University’s Cultural Diversity Scholarship Fund raising drive. Les was also a graduate of Leadership Portage County class of 2007. He is currently a member of the Tiretown Executive Board and has served on the Board for over 20 years.
Les and his wife, JoAnn reside in Kent, Ohio. JoAnn is a retired Akron Public School teacher spending most of her career at Crouse Community Learning Center. They have two daughters, LaRissa and Anita. They are currently enjoying the activities of their grandchildren, Anessa, Kymari, ad Malena.