Alain Lescart joined the Point Loma Nazarene University faculty in 2005 as a professor of French and world history. In addition to these disciplines, he teaches science fiction and fantasy literature — classes he plans to continue teaching as an adjunct faculty member in the 2027 spring semester. Since being at PLNU, Lescart has authored six books and published over a dozen scholarly articles.
Beyond his academic work, Lescart acted in a series of French plays and one short film, “She Sang, She Directed.”
The Point sat down with Lescart to reflect on his time at PLNU as he prepares to retire after the 2026 spring semester.
The Point: Do you have a favorite memory or most impactful moment from your time on the faculty?
Alain Lescart: I used to do crêpe parties with about six students in my home … It was a good time. I was invited to some weddings of my students … The contact with my students [has] been great. It is a very small university, so we definitely have more contact than when I was in a class of 200 or 300 students. I’m also in the Literature, Journalism [Writing] and Language department, and we have very open-minded faculty here … so we have really engaging discussions that fit my beliefs and my engagement, so I really appreciated that part here.
TP: What legacy do you hope to leave behind at PLNU?
AL: I created two classes, one on science fiction and one on fantasy. Those classes will appear with a new [general education] program beginning in fall 2026. But we’ve been invited to create a new class in conjunction with other departments … I will be coming back to teach just those two classes as an adjunct [professor] … So my legacy is there.
TP: What will you miss the most about being a professor?
AL: Besides the water? What I’m going to miss most is the connection with my colleagues here. I have a wonderful department here, and we interact every day. … We have fun together.
TP: If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
AL: Believe in yourself. I grew up in a family … and my parents never believed in me. Everything I did was not enough. Consequently, I didn’t believe I was university [student] material. However, when I went to university later, I was an A+ student … So what I would say to my younger self is: don’t hesitate. Anything you think you can’t do, in fact, you can do.
TP: What are you most looking forward to in retirement?
AL: I’m still going to come back to teach my two favorite classes here and there, and I need to help the French program to continue … But, I’m going to buy a house in France, and I plan to spend six months here and six months in France. I’ve also been approached to maybe start working on a study abroad [program] … and Point Loma students will come to France, and I can give them a program there. … My plan is also to do a master’s in archeology. I don’t care about being paid … but I just enjoy archeology, so I’m going to do that.
Carson Dillon