I often find myself in the middle of the fray thinking, “What am I doing here?” If I were to describe myself in an eight-word sentence it’d go like this.

I watch, write, read, and have problems following directions.

In my 37 years on earth, I’ve been writing poorly and goodly for about 75%  of that time. I am a former English and journalism teacher who became PR Director of Mississippi’s best school district, and I sometimes wonder if I’m way in over my head— but I’m having too much fun to care. I fumble my way through public relations, sports media and community involvement.

I’ve been blessed to grow up in the great state of Mississippi. Depending how you feel about the landmass, you may disagree, but this place has made me into the person I am today.

I graduated from Clinton High School in ’03 and spent four years at The University of Mississippi. I received my BA in English in ’07, and I finished my MA in English at Mississippi College in ’16.

I’ve started on a second master’s in Integrated Marketing Communication from Ole Miss. That’ll wrap up summer of 2023. 

Previously, I worked as a copy editor, designer, mediocre photographer, and writer for The Clarion Ledger in the heart of the great newspaper crash of 2008 and 2009.

I previously taught 8th-12th grade for 11 years, teaching both in a struggling school district and then in the number one district in the state. I haven’t seen it all, but I’ve seen inner city kids achieve the impossible and privileged kids defy their spoiled stereotypes.

I proudly taught American and British literature, world geography, psychology, sociology, yearbook and journalism. I’ve coached junior high football (semi-against my will), baseball, tennis, soccer, and I oversaw my district’s live stream for sporting events for close to six years.

Needless to say, I need to learn how to say “no.”

I took a PR job at the end of February 2020 without knowing that the Coronavirus would reshape the world and my professional life.

I’m an avid people watcher. Just assume I remember everything I hear and see. I don’t, but just assume that’s the case.

My writing style is inspired by the likes of Rick Bragg, Wright Thompson, Joel Stein, Marshall Ramsey, Earnest Hemingway, Hunter S. Thompson and any other names I can drop that make me seem legit.

I’ve been married to my wife for almost a decade and a half. She’s the only person who feels like putting up with me, and she’s definitely the smartest person I know. Often she is the only person whose opinion really seems to matter.  

We have two kids who have inherited their mother’s grace and beauty and my abrasive attitude. God save them.

If you want to contact me, leave a comment on a post or email me at therobertchapman@gmail.com.

If you don’t like a post, this blog is a lot like the Mississippi weather. Hang out long enough, and it’ll change.