When Crystal J. Lucky, Ph.D., an associate professor of English, Africana Studies and Women’s Studies, joined the faculty of the Department of English in 1996, she thought her primary responsibilities would be the mentoring of African-American students. As her courses, including the African-American Novel, The Harlem Renaissance, African-American Images in Film and Literature, The Fiction of Toni Morrison, Slavery and the Literary Imagination and African-American Drama of the 20th Century, gained popularity among all students and reached full enrollment capacity, however, Crystal came to realize that Villanova as a community was hungry—very hungry—for the material she was teaching.

“I had an epiphany of sorts,” Crystal said. “I realized that I’m not here exclusively for black students, but I’m here for all students. I’m here to help mold the future leaders of this country— political officials, doctors, lawyers, CEOs and those in other upper-level management positions in corporations. I want all my students to have a better understanding of race in its complex and nuanced forms, and as working adults to see their constituencies, patients or clients as whole people instead of stereotypes.”

Open and informed discussion drives Crystal’s classes. The questions raised by students are varied and complex, offering so many dimensions to explore that one semester just isn’t long enough to cover all angles and nuances; the layers are dense. “The most important thing, however, is to get those difficult conversations started,” Crystal said. “Literature is my vehicle to dialogue, my way to get people talking and initiating conversations about race. Literature helps us think about human values in profound ways. I want my students to think about the interactions between and among characters in what we read and ask how those relationships serve as a window to life in 2005.”

Crystal encourages her students to read closely and attentively and to analyze what they are reading in thoughtful ways. She values student work that shows ambition, flair and originality. “I want to get these young adults arguing intelligently and thinking right,” Crystal said. “I want them to read, think, evaluate and discuss—to be in close proximity with people they may see from afar.”

Crystal emphasizes rigorous writing in all of her courses. She asks her students to try to understand that writing is a process and that no piece of prose is written perfectly the first time. That is why she encourages several revisions and frequent trips to the University’s Writing Center, where students work one-on-one with peer tutors throughout all phases of the writing process, from brainstorming for ideas to polishing final drafts.

As a teacher, Crystal is motivated by the knowledge that she is helping to shape the thought processes and values of the next generation of change agents: individuals called upon to improve life in America for all people.

“What inspires me to teach is that I can influence future policymakers,” Crystal said. “Before taking one of my courses, my students often tell me that their views had been shaped by rumor and hearsay. All they knew was what they heard in music and saw on videos or billboards. Literature is my way of building a new understanding.”

Crystal said that her mother, a 30-year veteran teacher of the School District of Philadelphia, remains a strong and powerful influence in her life. “I watched the difficulties she experienced,” Crystal said. “She inspires me through her unceasing dedication, professionalism and diligence.”

Just as Crystal’s mother took attendance in class, so too does her daughter. “I take roll call and give a quiz with each new reading,” Crystal said. “The quizzes aren’t designed to be difficult. The point is: ‘come to class ready to play; don’t sit here and hide. Ask tough questions. Challenge your classmates. Challenge me.’ The classroom that I create is a safe place to do just that.”