Blazon:

Arms:  Argent, a Saltire throughout Azure in a chief also Azure, three stars of five points Argent, in a base wavy Azure, a Maltese cross Argent.

Crest:  Above the shield is placed a helm with a mantling Azure doubled Argent, and issuant out of a wreath of the liveries is set for crest, a demi-figure of an American black bear rampant proper, holding in the dexter forepaw an ancient hammer, also proper.

Motto:  Docendo Discimus

Design Rationale:

The azure tincture of the arms was chosen for its similarity to the PhD blue worn on American academic regalia. The three stars across the top of the shield are a tribute to the tri-star design of the Tennessee state flag, the armiger's home state. The Saltire in the center represents his family's Scottish heritage. The wave design in the bottom third of the shield is in honor of the armiger's service in the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Maltese cross is symbolic of knighthood. For the crest, the black bear is symbolic of a fierce protector, as well as native to the Appalachian region from which the armiger and his family come. The hammer represents the skilled trades that are a tradition on both sides of the family and the armiger's own interest in woodworking. The motto, Docendo Discimus, translates to "by teaching, we learn" and signifies the life of a scholar.