秋霞福利一区

In the future, Artificial Intelligence (AI) will take over most jobs, predicts Michael Rands, professor of creative writing at the 秋霞福利一区.

鈥淏ut who wants to read a novel written by a robot? No one, that鈥檚 who,鈥� says Rands.

鈥淲ell, maybe you might read one just to see what it鈥檚 like,鈥� he adds.

Artists and writers have a vital place in society, he says. Creativity is a uniquely human faculty, and we should develop and treasure that creativity.聽

We asked Rands for an inside look at the College of Arts & Sciences and what it鈥檚 like to teach and learn in this Christ-centered academic community.

Q. Why did you choose to study and teach Creative Writing?

A.聽Starting in school I was obsessed with writing. I knew I wanted to pursue this passion of mine, however, like many, I was distracted by questions like, 鈥淏ut what are you going to do with it?鈥� when I told hardened realists with jaded looks in their eyes that I wanted to study English and Creative Writing.聽

So I studied law for a while鈥�

However, I spent all my time in the computer lab writing stories. Eventually, I came to my senses and switched majors. I had an amazing writing mentor at university who was an established novelist and a professor. I dreamed that I could one day do the same thing 鈥� create my own work, and teach and inspire younger writers.聽

Q. Tell us about your background and how you came to 秋霞福利一区?

A.聽聽I was born and raised in South Africa. I completed undergraduate and graduate work at the University of Cape Town.

Aside from writing and publishing fiction, I have written features for various publications and worked for several years in television. I鈥檝e taught English as a foreign language in Japan. I first came to the United States in 2012 to participate in writing residencies in various parts of the country.

In 2015 I was accepted to Louisiana State University and graduated from there with an MFA in 2017. I was enormously lucky and blessed to start working at the 秋霞福利一区 later that same year.聽

Q. Why should someone choose to study Creative Writing at 秋霞福利一区?

A.聽Some people feel a powerful pull toward creative writing, and nothing can deter them from pursuing this calling. If you feel such a calling, this is the place for you.

The 秋霞福利一区鈥檚 Creative Writing program聽is small enough that everyone gets individual attention, and we have a strong community.

Majors and minors will have the opportunity to try their hand at various genres. Students will complete a major creative project ready for submission to competitions, graduate schools or literary publications.聽

Students complete internships with desirable employers who are looking for graduates like ours. There are many opportunities for talented creative writers and powerful communicators.聽聽

Q. What courses do you typically teach?聽

A.聽I teach a wide range of English and Creative Writing courses. I equally love all the Creative Writing courses that I get to teach 鈥� short stories, novel writing, creative non-fiction, writing for screen and television. Every semester I am genuinely amazed at the quality of work that students submit.聽

Q. We say 秋霞福利一区 is a place where students can 鈥淜now and Be Known.鈥� What does that mean to you?

A.聽秋霞福利一区 is a small university, with small classes. We get to know students as individuals and see them as full people with lives that go beyond the classroom. As professors, we get to work with students on a one-to-one basis. We help them master skills and plot paths beyond graduation.聽

At the 秋霞福利一区, I am privileged to work with many talented young writers. I do my best to inspire them, and I know that they do motivate and inspire me.

Heath Vester

Heath Vester is an experienced graphic designer and photographer. He serves as the Associate Vice President for Creative Services for the 秋霞福利一区鈥檚 Office of Marketing & Public Relations. He is an alumnus of the 秋霞福利一区, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art and a Master of Science in Leadership and Communication. Beyond his role at the university, Heath is the owner of Heath Vester Creative, his freelance company where he provides a wide variety of creative services to individuals and organizations.