Since coming to UNCP in 1997, I have taught a number of courses in composition, literature, and linguistics--from "Composition 2" to "The American Novel" to "English Grammar". As a specialist in early American literature, I especially enjoy teaching and researching the fiction, nonfiction, and poetry of antebellum America. In addition to teaching my courses, I have written articles on Edgar Allan Poe, Benjamin Franklin, the Southern short story, and many other subjects. My current research focuses on the connections between literature and journalism in America.

My students seem to enjoy and appreciate the active-learning environment of my classes. We spend most of our classroom time engaging with our subject through group and class discussions, student presentations, and activities involving musical recordings, Web sites, and more. Outside the classroom, we sometimes also go on the road to visit, for example, Thomas Wolfe's home in Asheville or the Southern Historical Collection in Chapel Hill.

In my classes and others at UNCP, students will have the opportunity to work closely with their professors, who know their names and their interests.

If you are interested in studying English at UNCP, I encourage you to get in touch with me or one of my colleagues. We can give you a good idea of the kind of rewarding educational experience you can have at UNCP. We would like to meet you!