From 1988-1994, as Executive Director/CEO of the University Center (Greenville, SC), he led the development of an experimental multi-university campus governed by nine South Carolina colleges and universities.  During his six-year tenure he was responsible for the strategic planning and marketing that took the University Center's start-up enrollment to a peak of 2,000 in its third year.  He also served as a member of the Clemson University faculty and administration during his years with the University Center.

A native of Columbus, Ohio, Drake earned the Ph.D. degree from the Ohio state University (1973), where he served as a teaching assistant in the College of Arts & Sciences and Education while completing the doctorate.  In 1971, he joined the faculty of Ithaca college (Ithaca, N&), where he received tenure, promotion to Associate Professor, and served consecutively as Chair of the Department of Education, Associate Director of Graduate Studies, and Director of Televised Studies during his eight-year association with the College.

In 1979, Drake was recruited by the University of Tampa (Tampa, FL) to become the founding Dean of Metro college, and also served as Assistant Provost of the University.  After leading the University's reaccreditation efforts in 1982-83, he remained as a consultant to the University in 1984 when he was named Vice President and dean of Findlay College (now the University of Findlay).  in 1987, he accepted a full-time research consultancy with an Ohio management firm (The Travis Group, Inc.), and then joined the South Carolina system.

The author of five books and approximately 40 articles, Drake has remained active as a writer and researcher throughout his 25 years in higher education.  Two of his books - Ponselle:  A Singer's Life (Doubleday & Company), and Richard Tucker:  A Biography (E.P. Dutton Company) - received "Book of the Month" designations from the National Book Clubs of America.  he has written books and articles on an array of subjects, including logic and critical thinking, philosophy, educational theory, management, popular culture, and music.

Over the years, Drake has been active in numerous civic and professional organizations.  In Brevard County, he serves on the governing boards of 12 agencies, including United Way of Brevard County, Wuesthoff Health Systems, Junior Achievement of East Central Florida, the Brevard Cultural Alliance, and the Brevard Schools Foundation.  He was also the past chairman of the board of the National Space Club - Florida Committee.  In 1996-97, he chaired the county-wide, record setting campaign for United Way of Brevard County.  He and his wife, Maggie, reside in Cocoa Beach, Florida.