News: Orson Scott Card — academic?
By Wm Morris | 5.12.05
In spite of his often-expressed distaste for academia, Orson Scott Card has given into the lure of the cushy life as a distinguished professor — he has joined the faculty of Southern Virginia University, an LDS-oriented liberal arts college. He will teach writing and literature courses.
The details can be found in this SVU press release.
Randall Cluff, coordinator of SVU’s English program, said: “I firmly believe time will reveal the significance of Card’s appointment at SVU as we watch a greater number of rising LDS literary artists achieve distinction.
“We are part of a distinct culture with a significant history that has compelling stories to tell, and Card will help our LDS writers learn to tell those stories in ways that audiences both within and without LDS culture will find convincing, rewarding, and even inspiring.”
This is a natural fit for both parties involved — SVU gains by having someone of OSC’s stature join their faculty, and OSC has the opportunity for a steady income and the fulfillment of teaching in an environment he can be comfortable in. He will continue to write fiction and hold his summer writing classes and boot camp.
However, this whole thing makes me wonder if BYU [or any of the schools] ever made OSC an offer. Not that he would have taken it. As I understand it, he much prefers living outside of Utah. But still…
6.23.05 | 9:59 am | comment permalink |
I must confess I felt a twinge of regret or something when I heard the news about OSC signing up with SVU. I’ve heard he’s a dynamite teacher and all that — but it does seem like some sort of a sell-out. Then again, I wouldn’t want anyone telling me that making a life/employment switch was a sell-out when perhaps it is exactly the mental/emotional/financial/ professional thing I need at that moment. Whatever makes you happy, Orson, I guess. Maybe it’s just jealousy talking after all.
Posted by Mark Brown