A Representative from North Carolina; born in Patetown Community, March 24, 1943; attended public schools; A.B., University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, 1965; J.D., University of North Carolina Law School, 1967; served in the U.S. Navy, 1967-1970; commenced the practice of law in Goldsboro in 1970; member, North Carolina house of representatives, 1978-1986; special advisor to President William Clinton, 1995; Assistant Secretary of the Army, 1996-1997; president, North Carolina Community College System, 1997- present; elected as a Democrat to the One Hundredth and to the three succeeding Congresses (January 3, 1987-January 3, 1995); unsuccessful candidate for reelection to the One Hundred Fourth Congress.