Intro by King Musa
“Yo, what it is? You know what it is. It’s your man, King Musa! Welcome to The CheatSheet, the podcast where we decode success for creators, professors, and business owners. I’m your host, King Musa, and today, we’re diving into the world of literature, storytelling, and creative expression, focusing on English and creative writing.
Joining us is Dr. Elizabeth Tasker Davis, Chair of the Department of English and Creative Writing at Stephen F. Austin State University. Dr. Tasker Davis brings years of experience in teaching and mentoring students in the art of storytelling, and we’re excited to explore her journey and the role she plays in shaping the next generation of writers. Welcome, Dr. Tasker Davis!”
Getting to Know Dr. Tasker Davis
King Musa: “Welcome, Dr. Tasker Davis! Can you introduce yourself and tell us what you do at SFA?”
Dr. Tasker Davis: “Thank you, King Musa. My name is Elizabeth Tasker Davis, but I go by Dr. Tasker with students. I’m the Chair of the Department of English and Creative Writing and have been at SFA for 17 years. As chair, I’m the public face of the department, liaising between students, faculty, and administration. I also oversee everything from first-year composition to graduate programs and outreach initiatives.”
Personal Background and Passions
KM: “Where are you from, and how did your journey into English and creative writing begin?”
Dr. Tasker Davis: “I was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, but grew up in Connecticut. My love for literature began with my grandparents, who introduced me to classics like Charles Dickens and Robert Burns. I attended the University of Southwestern Louisiana, now UL Lafayette, majoring in English with a minor in Spanish. Later, I earned a master’s in Professional Writing from Carnegie Mellon University and worked as a technical writer in the software industry before transitioning to academia with a PhD from Georgia State University.”
KM: “Outside of work, what are your interests or hobbies?”
Dr. Tasker Davis: “I love walking in nature, spending time with animals, cooking, and listening to music. If books didn’t exist, I’d probably spend all my time outdoors enjoying the world around me.”
Leadership as Chair
KM: “What’s your vision for the Department of English and Creative Writing, and how do you make it all happen?”
Dr. Tasker Davis: “I use a triangle model to guide my vision:
1. Communication and Shared Governance - Ensuring collaboration and good relationships among faculty, staff, and students.
2. Signature Events - Celebrating our events like the Piny Dark Horror Writing Contest, literary awards, and Words of Art.
3. Research and Community Outreach - Promoting faculty research and engaging with the Nacogdoches community.
4. Growth and Development - Fostering the department’s growth while supporting individual faculty and student goals.
Each part of the triangle builds on the others to create a clear, achievable framework for success.”
KM: “What are some of the challenges you face in your role?”
Dr. Tasker Davis: “The biggest challenge is managing limited resources and ensuring every class is covered each semester. Balancing faculty schedules and understanding their goals also requires constant communication. Some days are quiet, while others are incredibly busy, but the variety keeps things exciting.”
Exciting Department Initiatives
KM: “What are some exciting things happening in the department right now?”
Dr. Tasker Davis:
• Piny Dark Horror Writing Contest: “Happening October 30th, this event showcases scary poems and stories written by students.”
• Banned Books Reading: “An annual event that highlights censored literature, sparking important discussions.”
• Words of Art: “A spring collaboration between creative writing and art students, pairing visual and textual art for a beautiful display.”
Advice for Aspiring Writers
KM: “What advice would you give to students pursuing English or creative writing?”
Dr. Tasker Davis:
1. Time Management: “Don’t procrastinate. Creativity takes time and effort.”
2. Detail-Oriented Thinking: “Focus on the details in your writing to enrich your work.”
3. Community Building: “Join writing groups or clubs like Subplots to connect with others and share ideas.”
KM: “What career paths are available for English and creative writing majors?”
Dr. Tasker Davis: “Teaching is a popular route, from middle school to college. Others work in technical writing, journalism, marketing, or the entertainment industry. Storytelling is at the heart of many professions, even law and business. There are plenty of opportunities for those with a love of writing and literature.”
Outro by King Musa
“Dr. Tasker Davis, thank you for sharing your incredible journey and insights with us. It’s inspiring to learn about the power of storytelling and the role of creative expression in education.
To our listeners, remember: Keep writing, keep imagining, and keep telling your story. This is your man, King Musa, signing off. Stay creative and stay inspired. Peace!”
0 Comments