Mission

Our Vision

Mission Statement

Serving MTSU Students:

The University Writing Center assists writers of various experiences, backgrounds, and skill levels in developing responsible, informed writing practices. Since students’ participation in university academic programs aids in their retention and progression toward academic goals, the UWC prides itself in being highly involved in aiding student success.

Serving UWC Staff:

The UWC promotes staff professionalism by offering numerous learning, teaching, research, and professional opportunities in various local, regional, national, and international academic writing center networks.

Serving the Community:

Understanding literacy as a set of social practices, the UWC is essential to literacy learning both on campus and in the local community where it serves as a community resource through outreach programs and events.

Session Learning Outcomes

After each session, students will gain increased confidence in themselves as writers; a deeper understanding of techniques, resources, and strategies; and knowledge of how to apply what they have learned to future writing projects.

History

The Margaret H. Ordoubadian Writing Center was founded in 1978. Dr.  Bené Cox, a pioneer in the collaborative learning movement, first proposed the center and helped develop it. Dr. Larry Mapp was appointed as the first director, serving until 1986, and the Writing Center was located in Peck Hall 306. Dr. Margaret Ordoubadian became the director in 1996 and served until 2001. By then, the Writing Center had moved to Peck Hall 326. Dr. Jimmie Cain served as Director from 2001 to 2003 and again from 2006-2009. In 2010 the Writing Center moved to its new location in the James Walker Library, and Dr. Bené Cox became the Director in 2012 and served until her retirement in 2018. Dr. James Hamby is serving as the Interim Director and Dr. Zabby Myers is the Assistant Director. To find out more, please take a look at our digital archive.