From Superheroes to Modern Fiction: A Conversation with Dr. Ron Sweeney

Dr. Ron Sweeney, Assistant Professor in the English department, is far from new to UFV. In fact, he has been a dedicated instructor in English UFV for nearly 15 years, guiding students through foundational courses and helping them discover their academic foundation.

With a passion for literature in all its forms — from modern novels to digital texts, comics, and the narrative worlds of superheroes — Dr. Sweeney brings a creative, expansive, and deeply student-centered approach to the study of storytelling. This fall, he was teaching English 105, English 170c: Understanding Comics, English 270h: The Superhero, and courses in 20th-century American literature, with aspirations one day to teach video games as literature.

We’ve asked Dr. Sweeney about his journey, his inspirations, and the joy he finds in watching students grow into confident, thoughtful readers and writers. Check it out!

College of Arts: Could you start by sharing a bit about your journey as an educator?

Ron: I joined the English department right around the time that UFV transitioned into a full university. I’ve really enjoyed my team here at UFV and I can’t wait to be even more involved in the coming years.
As a teacher here, I’ve worked with a lot of first year students and I’m really proud of my role in helping them find their place at our university.

College of Arts: What inspired you to specialize in your field?

Ron: I’ve always loved reading. That continued that through my education as an undergrad and then through my PhD. Program. I’ve developed great relationships here on campus with people through this, exchanging book recommendations and theories with colleagues across the disciplines.
In my own academic work, I was particularly interested in books (and book-like things) which used their pages in different ways. This was everything from poetry and novels to digital literature and eventually comics.

College of Arts: What do you hope your students take away from your classes?

Ron: I want students to develop a deeper sense of who they are and to be able to think critically about the world around them. The study of stories and storytelling tells us a lot about ourselves and how we view the world. And whether it is stories of superheroes in comics and film, or bleak visions of apocalyptic wastelands, or fantasy visions of a world before, there’s something in these stories for us today.

College of Arts: Reflecting on your career so far, what has been the most rewarding aspect of being an educator?

Ron: Seeing the growth in thinking and the work that students create. There’s a lot of students who come here with a lot of doubt, especially about writing. And we’ve been through a stressful time. Seeing them growing in confidence and finding their voices is what it is all about.

College of Arts: If you could leave a lasting message or piece of advice for your students and community, what would it be?

Ron: This university is here to support you: ask for help. And read some comics. We have some good ones available at the library here! Or come borrow one from me.

Dr. Ron Sweeney’s long-standing commitment to UFV, combined with his imaginative approach to literature and storytelling, makes him a powerful mentor for students learning to think critically, express themselves, and explore new worlds through reading. His passion for connecting students with stories — whether traditional novels, digital texts, or the dynamic universe of comics — continues to shape classrooms where curiosity grows and confidence takes root. His dedication to helping students find their voice remains at the heart of his teaching.