Dr. Dana Adams began teaching as an English professor at the University more than 20 years ago. Adams grew up in Tyler and after graduating from high school, decided to pursue higher education. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in English and art from Stephen F. Austin State University and began working for an advertising company in Forth Worth.
Adams
Later, Adams moved back to his hometown and worked in the radio business and opened an art studio. In 1985 Adams returned to school and received a Masters of Arts Degree in English from the University and began teaching part time. He later obtained a doctorate degree from the University of North Texas in Nineteenth and Twentieth-century American Literature so he could teach full time at the University. Adams recently became a published author with the release of “The Christmas Day Murders,” which he co-wrote with Sheriff J.B. Smith.
What drew you to The University of Texas at Tyler?
I was born here and decided to come back after my father died and worked in radio for a while. My father owned KDOK and KNUE so I grew up around it, but I had a desire to teach.
Why did you decide to become an English teacher?
Well, there just comes a time when you need to step back and examine your life or reexamine it and that is when you need to decide really what you want to do for the rest of your life. I’ve been so happy and fortunate because I had a passion for the radio business and a passion for art and a passion for teaching. I’ve been so fulfilled and I think that is the answer, fulfillment. It’s not about how much money you make or the car you drive, the question is are you fulfilled as a human being and I am fulfilled.
How did the idea for The Christmas Day Murders come about?
About two years ago Sheriff J.B. Smith called me out of the blue and said hey do you want to help me write a book and I said sure. It’s based on one of the many cases that Smith has helped solve over the years. It’s doing really well and I’ve already started working on the next one.
How did you meet Sheriff J.B. Smith?
Well, in my days in advertising, about 30 years ago, Sheriff J.B. Smith walked into my art studio and asked me if I wanted to help him in his campaign. It was very successful and he was the first Republican Sheriff ever elected in Smith County. Ever since then we have remained close friends.
What is the new book you are working on about?
The working title is The Unholy Ghost Murder. We came up with that title because it is based on a true story of a minister in Troup who murdered his wife. We are hoping to have it published by late summer or next fall.
Do you think you’ll ever write any fiction books or do you prefer non-fiction?
Right now non-fiction is all I have time for. Maybe after I retire and have more time.
Who are some of your favorite writer?
Ernest Hemingway, Flannery O’Conner, Kate Chopin. I really enjoy their writing styles.
Do you consider teaching your career and writing a hobby or a career as well?
Writing is a very valid career too. Teaching is the main thing I do though, without a doubt. I still do artwork, mainly watercolors and I’m working on paintings of all the buildings on campus.
By Amanda Bird Contributing Writer
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