An American writer, musician, and photographer, born in Rockford, Iowa, United States. He earned a BA and an MA from the University of Northern Iowa. He also earned a doctorate in business from Kelley School of Business at Indiana University Bloomington. He began teaching management and economics, and in 1980, he became founding dean of the College of Business. He retired from this position in 1986. He's known for The Bridges of Madison County (1995) and Puerto Vallarta Squeeze (2004).