For the past 15 years, I've worked as a full-time professor of Composition and Literature in the Florida State College System. Teaching in both traditional and honors programs allows me to use all of the skills I gained in my many previous incarnations: as a children's book author/editor, magazine managing editor, newspaper arts critic, radio broadcaster, and freelance arts and business writer. My other duties as a professor, including serving on various committees and working as a Faculty Senator, also benefit from my past experiences.I've written five books and more than 400 magazine and newspaper articles, winning several awards for journalism. I've also designed and edited corporate newsletters, business plans, marketing materials, and in-house advertisements. I've lectured widely outside the classroom on a variety of topics related to arts and the media. My civic contributions include serving as the president of a local religious congregation, serving on the board of the Coalition for the Homeless of Polk County, and helping to found a campus pantry to aid food-insecure students. My ethos in all my professional and personal activities is to consider the larger implications of my actions and how they impact others.