Sheriff Houston holds a number of degrees to include a B.A. from the University of Georgia, a Master's in Business Administration from Brenau University, and a Master's of Public Administration from Columbus State University.  Sheriff Houston is also a graduate of Georgia's Command College which is an administrative officers course provided by the Association of Chiefs of Police and Columbus State University.  Sheriff Houston now serves as an adjunct instructor for Columbus State University and Athens Technical College where he provides instruction in Law Enforcement Budgets, and Criminal Justice.  Sheriff Houston is currently pursuing a PhD. in the Philosophy of Business with a major emphasis of study in Homeland Security.

Among many awards, Sheriff Houston was selected in 2000 as Who's Who among International Public Servants, 2006 Strathmore's Who's Who in Leadership, 2001 National Dean's List, 2001 Leadership Greene, and 2002 Pi Alpha Alpha Honor Society.  In 2004, Sheriff Houston received the Humanitarian Award from the Greensboro Chapter of the N.A.A.C.P, and has also been nominated for the Governor's Public Service Award for Law Enforcement. Sheriff Houston is a Past Master of the San Marino Lodge #34 of Greensboro. 

Sheriff Houston is married to Melissa Kilpatrick of Watkinsville and they have two children, Tyler and Hunter.  The Houston family are members of Grace Fellowship Church of Greensboro.