Randal A. Burd, Jr. received his B.A. in English <i>cum laude</i> with minors in Art, Psychology, and Writing from the University of Missouri-Rolla, and his M.Ed. in English Education at the University of Missouri-Columbia.  He is Editor/Publisher of Christian Rhetoric, a founding member of the Excelsior Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa, past President of the Alpha Delta Epsilson chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, and a lifetime member of Phi Eta Sigma.  Past positions include Editor-in-Chief of the Missouri Miner newspaper (2000-2002), Editor-in-Chief of Southwinds Magazine (1997-2001), and President of the Living Poets Society (1999-2000).  

Awards include: The President's Recognition of Literary Excellence, National Authors Registry, 1999; 1998 President's Award For Literary Excellence, National Authors Registry; First Place--Creative Arts & Science Enterprises Contest #1, 1997; First Place--Marguerite A. Sousa Memorial Poetry Contest, Writers Forum Press, 1997; Fourth Place--Illiad Literary Awards, Spring 1998; Fourth Place--Illiad Literary Awards, Summer 1998; Numerous Honorable Mentions, Editor's Choice Awards, Accomplishments of Merit.