Ryan Wilson, author of two poetry collections, a monumental volume of “Selected Translations,” and the newly-published anthology “Contemporary Catholic Poetry,” will serve as Associate Professor of Poetry. Wilson joins the University of St. Thomas after a successful tenure as the editor of the journal “Literary Matters.” Wilson explains how essential it is to preserve the literary arts in a culture that overwhelmingly favors social media.” As what we eat and drink is metabolized and, in a sense, becomes our body, so what we read and watch and listen to, in a sense, becomes our mind and our spirit. Many, especially athletes, are mindful of everything they allow into their bodies; few are mindful of everything they allow into their minds and into their souls.”