Dr. Jason Parks hold s a Ph.D. in literature from Ball State University. Prior to joining the faculty at AU in 2008, Jason earned his Master of Arts in English at Butler University. His love of southern literature and absurdly long sentences led him to write a thesis on the links between modern historiography and William Faulkner’s Absalom Absalom! He has also worked extensively with at-risk youth in group home and academic settings, including a year of teaching literature, Bible, and Physical Education at an alternative high school near Boulder, Colorado. He earned his undergraduate degree in English at Anderson University, where he was also an active leader in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and served as captain of the cross-country and track teams for three years. He earned NCAA All-America status as a college athlete and still holds the AU school record at 10,000 meters.

His current course offerings include Rhetoric and Composition, Rhetoric and Research, Contemporary Global Literature, and multiple courses in Medieval and Early Modern literature, including Chaucer and Shakespeare. His research includes topics ranging from digital pedagogy to early 20th century literary magazines. He has presented papers at multiple conferences on pedagogical topics and the transatlantic literary journal transition. He is a member of the Modernist Studies Association and the College English Association. He has also written a book chapter entitled, “A Digital Approach to Teaching Postmodern Literature,” which will be published by Bedford/St. Martin’s press in January 2015. Some of his original lesson plans can also be found on the preeminent online Shakespeare resource, The Shakespeare Standard.

He, his wife Kendra, and their sons, reside in Anderson and attend Madison Park Church of God where they also serve in the children’s ministry.