From 2009-2011, Don served in the North Carolina Senate representing District 5. He served as the co chairman of the Joint Legislative Commission on High School Dropout Prevention and vice chairman of the Agriculture, Environment, and Natural Resources Committee. He also was a member of the following standing committees- Education/Higher Education, Appropriations on Education/Higher Education, Healthcare, Appropriations, State and Local Government, and Transportation.

Currently, Don serves as a member of the East Carolina University Board of Visitors. He also served as the mayor of Snow Hill for seven years. Don has over 10 years in higher education and served over 8 years active duty in the United States Air Force.

He is a 1994 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences degree. Don graduated from Central Michigan University with a Master of Science in Administration degree with a concentration in general administration and East Carolina University with a Master of Arts in Sociology degree with a concentration in social issues in regional development. He holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership degree with a concentration in higher education administration from East Carolina University.

Don has completed courses in the Commissioned Lay Pastor program in the Presbyterian Church United States of America through the Presbytery of New Hope. Since 2003, he has provided ministerial support at Saint James Presbyterian Church in Snow Hill.

He is married to Yuvonka Shawnte Batts and has two sons, Ryan and Justin.