Backus began his teaching career in two secondary school systems in West Virginia. After 11 years, he spent one year on the faculty at Marshall University before accepting a graduate teaching assistantship at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. Before coming to Cal U in 1983, he spent one year as an assistant professor at Purdue Calumet.

Backus has a keen interest in politics, the political process and organizational decision-making. He occasionally serves as a consultant to political candidates and to public relations professionals or agencies.

He is married, has two adult children and tries to combat weeds on a small farm near Hickory, Pa., where his leisure activity consists of tending gardens and reading.