I am a Professor of Rhetoric and Writing Studies at Davidson College, where I direct its College Writing Program. I am interested in the rhetorical operations of publics, am attracted to the joys of teaching my students to behave like intellectual persons, and drawn to the promise and power of liberal arts education. Milo, my miniature schnauzer invites me to counter those heady pursuits, and daily sharpens my attention by distracting me whenever he can.