After years in the sign industry, Mark made the life choice to return to school for his BFA, which he received from Weber State University, in Utah. As part of his "renewal of life", Mark investigated numerous art schools and decided that PAFA was the place he needed to be. He sold his house in Utah, moved with his wife and daughter (his two sons remained in Utah, attending college), and relocated to Drexel Hill to attend the Post Baccalaureate program. Mark enrolled in PAFA's MFA Program beginning Fall 2009. Location played a key roll in his decision. "Philadelphia is a special place."

Mark has made great personal and financial sacrifices to attend PAFA, and states it in a simple yet profound manner: Every nickel that is not scholarship will be debt.