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"Only when we embrace the connection between art and the collective soul of humanity will we understand not only art's importance but also its necessity. Perhaps all educators discern this connection, either consciously or unconsciously, but the educator cannot assume that all students readily do so. Only when writing is taught as an art form that has the capacity to change individual lives as well as societies as a whole will students come to respect the written word. When this sense of respect is obtained, the student will ultimately see the world in a different perspective."

Education

• M.F.A., Creative Writing, °ÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹û
• M.A., English, °ÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹û
• B.S., B.A., University of Tennessee at Martin

Highlighted Publications

• Review of Edward P. Jones' All Aunt Hagar's Children. New Madrid, Winter 2008.
• "Farming in France," a poem. Notations, Spring 2001.
• "Old Joe and Susie," a poem. Notations, Spring 2001.
• "The Barn," a poem. Notations, Spring 1998

Courses Taught

• ENG 105 Critical Reading, Writing and Inquiry
• HUM 211 Topics in Literature and Philosophy

Areas of Specialization

• Creative Writing
• Rhetoric and Composition
• Humanities
• American Short Story
• Southern Literature

Professional Memberships and Affiliations

• Modern Language Association
• National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE)