Who I Am

I am a member of the Writing and Rhetoric faculty in the Department of Literature, Writing, and Rhetoric at St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas. I hold the rank of Professor. My scholarly and teaching interests include rhetorical theory and criticism, argumentation, prose style, legal writing, editing, and general-education writing.

I earned a BA in Philosophy from the University of California at Santa Barbara, a JD cum laude from Gonzaga University School of Law, an MA in English from the University of Texas at San Antonio, and a PhD in English (Rhetoric & Composition) with distinction from TCU. Before I went back to school to earn my MA and PhD, I practiced law in California and Texas.

What I Believe

Despite the seemingly constant messaging to the contrary from every corner of society, education is not a product that you buy and consume. Rather, it’s a process of change that you undertake to experience.

Writing is a teachable, learnable craft. Talent is not the most important factor. Nor is inspiration; as the painter Chuck Close once remarked, “Inspiration is for amateurs.”

Experienced writers have internalized a complex set of implicit and explicit expectations, so those expectations now feel more or less natural to them. They have also developed sustainable writing practices, those of the professional and not the amateur.

But they all had to start somewhere. They all had to learn, too. With mindful effort, and by seeking help, you'll join them soon enough.

Where to Find Me

• My office is Sorin Hall 102.

• My Calendly link is on the home page of Canvas and in my email signature.

• My email address is drewml at stedwards dot edu. Please email me instead of using the pseudo-email thing in Canvas.