Thomas Nesbit

I graduated UNC Charlotte with University Honors in 1999, a double major in Philosophy and Religious Studies. My life has travelled in many unpredictable directions over the past decade, but the University Honors Program (UHP) helped prepare me for doctoral studies and, more importantly, becoming a global citizen.

Right now I’m living in the wonderland that is Las Vegas, stitching together a living as a novelist. DEEP FRIED – my first novel – came out this summer, fulfilling a dream that dates back to my high school days. It’s a dark comedy informed by where I grew up, which wasn’t far from Charlotte but might as well been the Gobi Desert. In fact, I doubt I was ever taken seriously by anyone until I met Dr. Al Maisto – then in charge of the UHP – who gave me a chance. From there I met the amazing Connie Rothwell, who said – actually said – that I could become a fiction writer. Who knew? Most backwoods kids never receive this kind of encouragement, and it’s a shame . . .  the UHP also encouraged me to study abroad in France, volunteer my time to causes, and – get this – check out the performing arts. I come from a place where people aren’t even sure if they’re allowed to listen to a live classical music performance. “What do I need to wear to get in?” I remain forever thankful that the UHP propelled me to enjoy the local arts . . . and to make it a familiar and regular exercise.

All of this prepared me for a very strange world when I decided to leave the South for graduate school. Positioned at Boston University (BU), I took advantage of any program that would send me back to Europe – I’ve since been a Junior Visiting Fellow at the Institut für die Wissenschaften vom Menschen in Vienna (2004-05) and subsequently served as a Visiting Professor of English and American Studies at Charles University in Prague (2005). My love for live performance led me to Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in 2006, where I began working as a grant writer while finishing my first book HENRY MILLER AND RELIGION (2007), a project that – believe or not – began as my UHP thesis. Oh, and BU gave me a Ph.D. in Religion and Literature when I submitted the Henry Miller study as my dissertation, but I still shy away from the whole “Dr.” thing.

Working in the non-profit field after graduation underscored the importance of volunteering one’s time to worthy causes. Although I am now self-employed and far away from the complex world of NYC philanthropy, I’m currently doing whatever I can to promote the fantastic art scenes we have in Vegas. I’ve also committed half of all profits from my first novel to 826 National, a non-profit organization founded by Dave Eggers that teaches creative writing to children and encourages them to publish. As my skills and capacities continue to grow, I hope to become more involved in promoting literacy and the arts among Vegas schoolchildren while continuing to work actively among established artists who call this crazy place home.

I’m thrilled that the UHP continues to thrive and become even more successful with each crop of students. Without reservation, I’m grateful for the UHP experience I had at UNC Charlotte. It undoubtedly made all the difference for at least one local boy who – some might say – did good.