Dr. Edward Jeffrey Mask

Dr. Edward Jeffrey Mask

By Kevin Johnson, The Whetstone

Bowties come in every shade of personality.

Assorted patterns and colors illuminate these formal items to make the wearer stand out.

When it comes to standing out, Dr. Edward Jeffrey Mask overpowers his bowties with his colorful personality and teaching style.

Before the lectures began and the bowties embraced his neck, Mask found his feet walking the soil of many different areas.

“I grew up in Memphis, Nashville, Roanoke Va., Nashville again, and Atlanta,” he said.

Moving became the theme of his childhood. Friendships became more of a pastime.

“I learned both to make and to leave friends easily,” he said “I am not good at keeping up with people once I have moved on.”

Mask looked to faith as a saving grace from all of the constant change he faced.

Masked earned a plethora of degrees from high level institutions, including the University of Mississippi (Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy), Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (Master of Divinity), and Emory University (PhD in Religion).

Philosophy and religion provided the framework for what Mask wanted to do with his life.

“I pastored a small church in North Carolina and I came to the conclusion that I would not make a good pastor,” he said “However I was a good student, and life on campus had always been appealing, so I applied to graduate programs in theology.”

His office is home to an extensive and eye-catching collections of books on the topics that matter to him most. The books are methodically organized by religions, theology, religion, and novels.

“I like ideas of the life of the mind,” he said “I like books, and though there is little evidence of it, I also like to write, so teaching seemed like a good fit for me”

Senior Darren Jones is a philosophy and religion major at Wesley College and is one of only three students in his major, which Mask chairs.

“He is always willing to figure out any way to push you inside and outside of the class room,” Jones said “Teaching-wise he is old-school, he will open up conversation with you instead of just stating facts.”

Mask takes pride in his role as a professor.

“I enjoy interactions with students and finding that sometimes I make a difference in someone else’s life,” he said “It is always thrilling to see the lights come on for a student.”

The theme of nourishing youth played well into Mask’s role as a father. Both of his offspring have become accomplished spoken-word artists.

“I’ve come to only understand patience as a virtue when I became a daddy,” he said “Being a dad is the best thing I’ve done, from coaching little league and playing Barbies to seeing my children become poets and artists.”

Professor Susan Bobby, a professor of English at Wesley College and a colleague of Mask’s, believes he is very engaging.

“The same passion of his conviction comes out in committees,” she said. “He takes more notes than anyone I have ever seen. His record keeping is amazing. Sometimes I come to meeting and forget my keys.”

Art has become a constant in Mask’s life, from his collection of multiple religious relics decorating his office to his interest in watercolor painting, Mask has always had an eye for the art forms.

“I’ve been painting (watercolors) for about 20 years now,” he said.  “Danny Peak, a former drama instructor, coaxed me on stage about 12 to 15 years ago, and I’ve been involved in community theatre ever since.”

If one walks into Mask’s office, his or her first thought would be to be quiet. With books lining the shelves of office, one might think a librarian was seconds away from asking “ can I see your library card,” but there are more books to come. Mask looks to share his subjective knowledge by writing and publishing books in the near future.

“I have an idea for three books I want to write,” he said “ An ethical critique of capitalism, how to read the bible, and a theology that takes into account the American problems with race. Eventually there has to be a book about Jesus.”

When faith got into Mask as a kid, it started a lifelong passion that still burns brightly through his elaborate bowties.

“I don’t know that the youthful me had goals beyond being a good Christian and living honestly,” he said “I still have those goals.”