Professor of English
Department Chair
On faculty since 1972

706.419.1635
Paul.Hesselink@covenant.edu

Education

Ph.D., University of Chicago, 1980

M.A., University of Chicago, 1966

B.A., Hope College, 1965

Professional Interests

Though my graduate work focused on eighteenth-century British literature and medieval literature, both of which I still enjoy and teach, my years of teaching at Covenant have made me into a generalist who enjoys studying non-Western contemporary authors as well as Geoffrey Chaucer and Samuel Johnson. I enjoy interacting with students in class and find that my own thoughts are stimulated and enriched by students' comments, questions, and essays.

I have presented papers at a number of scholarly meetings, especially regional meetings of the Conference on Christianity and Literature but also the Popular Culture Association and other organizations. Topics have included eighteenth-century literature, a philosophy of teaching literature, the mystery novels of P.D. James, even the rhetoric of recipes. I have published essays or reviews in Christianity Today and other Christian periodicals.

Personal Interests

One of my main interests over the years has been church music. I enjoy singing in choirs, and I have served as organist in Presbyterian and other churches. I continue to substitute occasionally and maintain my membership in the local chapter of the American Guild of Organists. I am also interested in helping disadvantaged children and have been serving as a volunteer tutor in after-school and summer programs in Chattanooga.

My wife has retired from teaching, and our children are grown. Jonathan, a Covenant graduate, recently moved to England with his wife. Our daughter Elizabeth is married to an Anglican priest who serves in Knoxville; we are glad the grandchildren are there and not in England.

My main hobby, aside from reading, is gardening. Every year I plant more flowers and shrubs and decrease the amount of grass a bit. And I am reclaiming a vegetable garden from the vines and weeds that were overtaking it.

Covenant Activities

At the college I have served as the chair of the English department for more years than I care to think about. I was also director of the Maclellan Scholars Program for a number of years, as well as member and chair of a number of faculty committees. I helped students organize the local chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the English honor society, and serve as their advisor.

Professional Membership

• Conference on Christianity and Literature; member of Board of Directors for Southeast region
• Modern Language Association