Biography:

Learning to learn is the only genius that there is.
--J. Rick Warren

I earned my Masters ('73) and Doctorate ('82) in English at the Ohio State University. At that time my interests were American, African-American, Medieval and 18th Century British literatures. Since my arrival here at Andrews in l976, I have taught short fiction, technical writing, writing seminar, ethnic literatures, and Freshman composition.

My current research interests are standardized essay evaluation, contemporay Christianity and strategies to develop "signature writing workshops." The bulk of my professional publications have been in Adventist publications. Since 1978, I have presented many papers at national and regional professional/scholarly conventions.

Beyond my on-campus duties, I travel often to give presentations, seminars, workshops and consultations on numerous spiritual and multi-cultural topics. From 1994-1998, for example, I served as Conflict Management Specialist for the Benton Harbor Area Schools.

I define myself as a "generalist" rather than as a literary scholar. Clearly, my public speaking and entrepreneurial interests are made significantly better because of my critical thinking and writing skills.

To relax, I enjoy R/C modeling, motocycling, and playing percussion with a Southern Black Gospel band.

I co-parented three children with my wife, Cynthia, who is a reading specialist with the Coloma Community Schools.

Current Research or Professional Activities:

Co-authored a chapter on religion in "Many Voices: An Introduction to Social Issues." Senior faculty advisor for the Student Success Center.