Stories and the art of words have shaped my faith, academic life, my understanding of the human condition, and my own creative writing expression. As an undergraduate student at Evangel, I learned to penetrate texts for layered meaning. Reading became multi-dimensional as I explored context, reader response and reception, and psychological and theological approaches. And exploring stories and poetry inspired me to write both academic responses to literature and original creative writing. I became a witness to the redemptive and transformative power of story, and my mind was enlarged as I cognitively and empathetically entered characters’ journeys.
I received a graduate degree with the hope that I would one day return to Evangel to teach, and God gave me that dream. Now that I am a faculty member, I strive to help students explore truth, faith, and all manner of conflicts and people through stories for all ages–children’s literature, young adult literature, and stories for general audiences.
It is also my mission to provide opportunities for students to creatively write their original stories, poems, creative nonfiction, and plays. This writing is encouraged through a Creative Writing course, writing contests, Epiphany open-mic readings and publications, and writing groups. I am faithfully inspired by the imaginative writing of our students. They give life to stories through their unique expressions.
It is an honor to be a part of the Evangel community, especially to witness the developing gifts of our students.
Awards Received
The Orville and Jewel Mills Young Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching, Scholarship, and Service
10 Year Service Award, Evangel University
15 Year Service Award, Evangel University