Education

Emil attended the schools in Randolph County, West Virginia, and graduated from Elkins High School in May 2002. While in high school, he participated in the Upward Bound Program at Davis & Elkins College and Youth Opportunities (or YO!) through the College.

Having been the first generation in his immediate family to graduate from high school, Emil attended Davis & Elkins College in Elkins, West Virginia. There, he would meet his advisor and longtime friend, Dr. Gloria Payne.

He continued his studies and graduated in July 2005 with an Associate in Science degree in Business. He continued and graduated the following year with a Bachelor of Arts in History with a minor in Business Administration in May 2006. While at D&E, he was the Secretary of Phi Beta Lambda, the National Business Fraternity, and the President of Beta Alpha Beta, the Honorary Business Fraternity. He also became a lifetime member of Sigma Beta Delta, an international honor society in business, management, and administration.

Through working full-time at The Inter-Mountain newspaper in Elkins and teaching part-time for Pierpont Community & Technical College (formerly Fairmont State Community & Technical College), Emil enrolled at the University of Phoenix (online) in May 2006 and completed his Master of Business Administration degree in December 2007.

In January 2008, Emil enrolled in post-graduate studies and completed courses to earn a Post-Master’s Certificate (or an equivalent of a Master of Education) in Management Education, focusing on higher education administration and curriculum through Capella University, which he earned in July 2009.

Emil took time off to spend with his family and to pursue other employment opportunities to enhance his knowledge of business, education, and hospitality.

In June 2018, he enrolled at the Esoteric Interfaith Theological Seminary and completed his Doctor of Philosophy in Religious Studies in May 2020.

Emil completed his Doctor of Education at American International Theism University in July 2024, focusing on Higher Education Administration. He also received a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration through AITU’s articulation partner, Charisma University.