His parents recognized his potential from childhood. Teachers delighted in him: the perfect student, quiet, attentive, and bright. He soaked up the words of encouragement and praise then read more and studied harder. It was logical: Everyone knew he would succeed, so he did.He became a teacher; not just any teacher, but a college professor; not just any professor, but the youngest one to earn tenure at the best college in the country. His mentors told him how proud they were of his accomplishmen…