Morris was born and raised in West Helena, Arkansas attending the DeSoto School where he was an All-State baseball and basketball athlete for Mississippi Private School Hall of Fame member Coach Mike Coggins. After graduation in 1980, he attended Northwest Mississippi Community College (1980-1982) playing baseball for the nationally ranked Rangers under the guidance of Mississippi Community College Hall of Fame members Jim Miles and Donnie Castle. During that 2-year period, the Rangers were 68-13 and qualified for the MJCAA State Championship both years and the Eastern District Playoffs in 1982. After graduation from NWMCC, Morris attended Delta State University (1982-1984) also playing baseball for the nationally ranked Statesmen (Fighting Okra) for legendary Coach Dave M. “Boo” Ferriss, Mississippi Sports and Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame member.  

After graduation from college in 1984, Morris held several jobs in the accounting field before coming to Rich Mountain Community College (UA Rich Mountain) in 1991. During his tenure at the college, he attended Henderson State University in the Master of Business Administration program. Other than a four (4) year period from 2007-2011, Morris has been at UA Rich Mountain for 25+ years and in higher education for 29+ years. In 2018, with the addition of athletics, Morris assumed the Athletic Director duties until his retirement in October 2022.

Morris notes “I mentioned several of the coaches I have had the privilege to play for because, along with members of my family, these men were some of the greatest influences in and on my life. I have been fortunate to play for these and many other people who developed the principles that I work and live by today. I hope that I have the opportunity to influence somebody(s) life the same way these men have impacted my life.”

Morris holds a Master of Business Administration from Henderson State University and Bachelor of Business Administration (Accounting) from Delta State University.

In 1989, Morris married the love of his life, Tonya Barber, and they have 3 official children, Tyler, Christian and Victoria along with 2 bonus children, Sasha (adopted), Heath (marriage), and one grandson, Atreus (Greek for “fearless”).