College of Arts and Sciences

Education:

• PhD, American Literature, University of Washington, 1969
• MA, English, University of Colorado, 1965
• BA, English, Oregon State University, 1964

Research Interests:

• 20th Century American Fiction
• 18th Century British Poetry
• Sports and Social Issues

Bio:

Aside from three decades as a department chair, an arts and sciences dean and two stints as a university provost, I have written and/or edited books on John Steinbeck, Ernest Hemingway, and Bernard Malamud as well more than 30 articles on these and other 20th century American writers as well as on higher education administration. I founded the National Consortium for Academics and Sports in 1984 and continue to serve as its Chief Academic Officer, and, since 2005, I have served as an educational consult to the New York Mets Baseball Organization.

Favorite authors or books: John Steinbeck (of course) – The Grapes of Wrath and Cannery Row; Dirk Hayhurst – Bullpen Gospels and Out of My League

Favorite musical artists: Bruce Springsteen and YoYo Ma

Interests and hobbies: travel, exercising, beachtime, reading and, of course, baseball

Favorite quote: Edward Young: “all men think all men mortal but themselves.”

Favorite TV Show: Bill Maher’s Real Time

One thing that makes me smile is: when my wife and daughter are happy

Pet Peeve: students who don’t turn assignments in on time and/or abuse the English language in their writing

Hidden talent: the ability to hit a curve ball

I like my job because: I have the pleasure of seeing young adults grow intellectually and culturally

Selected Publications:

• John Steinbeck and Edward F. Ricketts: The Shaping of a Novelist. Univ. of Minnesota, 1973.
• Edward F. Ricketts. Boise State University, 1976
• The Fiction of Bernard Malamud. Ed. With Jackson Benson. Oregon State University, 1976
• Introduction to The Log from The Sea of Cortez by John Steinbeck and Edward F. Ricketts. Penguin Books. 1995.