Rodney is a fourth-generation educator. His great-grandfather, grandmother, and both parents taught public school in Arkansas. Despite this educational history, Rodney struggled in both high school and college. In fact, he dropped out of college more than once and returned to complete his first degree in his 30s. Following the completion of his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Arkansas State University, Rodney earned a Master of Arts Degree in History from the University of Central Arkansas and then was accepted into the Ph.D. Program in history at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. At the U of A, Rodney worked with Dr. Patrick Williams. Williams is a noted political historian and editor of the Arkansas Historical Quarterly. Today, in addition to serving as the chair of the Department of History and Political Science, Rodney also serves as an observing teacher for students pursuing their Bachelor of Science in Social Studies degrees at WBU.

Rodney’s passion for politics was ignited during his senior year in high school when Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton was elected president. This passion led him to run for state representative, a race he lost at the age of 29. Despite this setback, Rodney remained committed to political engagement. He has worked on numerous campaigns, served as the co-chair of a congressional campaign committee, and is a Justice of the Peace in Randolph County, a seat he was elected to as an independent in 2022. Rodney’s believes the power of government to find pragmatic solutions to problems rather than advancing one party’s agenda over the other is a testament to his commitment to public service.

Rodney’s commitment to community service is deeply ingrained in his upbringing. Today, he serves in multiple roles at the state, regional, and local levels, demonstrating his dedication to making a difference. As a trustee of the Arkansas Historical Association, he serves on multiple committees. During Governor Asa Hutchinson’s administration, Rodney was appointed to the Arkansas Review Board for Historic Preservation, where his peers selected him as vice chair.

Rodney is serving his second term as a member of the Wings of Honor Museum board of directors in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. This museum was founded as the Walnut Ridge Army Flying School Museum in 1999 to preserve the rich history of the Walnut Ridge Army Flying School, which was active during World War II.

Starting in 2018, Rodney became the director of the Randolph County Heritage Museum in Pocahontas. The museum is owned and operated by Five Rivers Historic Preservation Inc. It opened in 2006 as part of the Pocahontas Sesquicentennial Celebration and strives to preserve the history and culture of Pocahontas and Randolph County. Today, Rodney serves as president and CEO of Five Rivers Historic Preservation/Randolph County. Ty Heritage Museum, he also serves on the Pocahontas Downtown Network board of directors. The Downtown Network is responsible for organizing events and festivals in Pocahontas, such as St. Patty’s on the Square, the summer music festival, and Novemberfest.

Rodney is the author of three books and multiple book chapters. He is also a freelance writer whose op-eds have been published in the ADG and elsewhere.