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The Howe Center for Writing Excellence recently wrapped up our annual national advisory board meeting, bringing together esteemed members of our national advisory board, our staff, graduate and undergraduate consultants, faculty, administration, and donors whose support makes our mission possible. 

The event kicked off with a reception on October 3, setting the tone for the next day’s board meeting. Held in our main King Library space, the gathering provided an environment for guests to connect, exchange ideas, and celebrate the spirit of collaboration that defines our center. Faculty and administrators from across the university mingled with our national board members.

Special guests Roger, Joyce, and Ed Howe were also in attendance, adding a meaningful presence to the evening. 

The event underscored our shared commitment to advancing writing excellence, allowing both new and long-standing supporters of the center to connect personally with our board members, staff, and consultants. 

We honored two important guests who are retiring in the coming months. Carolyn Haynes was celebrated for her immense support and leadership over the years, leaving a lasting impact on both the center and the university. Joyce Locke Carter was also recognized for her dedicated service on the board, with gratitude for her invaluable contributions.

The Board Meeting displayed ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University’s deep commitment to writing as a key educational strength, celebrated the Center’s outreach efforts, and previewed future initiatives. Here are some notable highlights:

• Writing is a Foundational Strength: This year, President Crawford launched ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉúTHRIVE, an ambitious strategic plan focused on reinforcing ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University’s foundational strengths. Of the 19 committees involved, ten explored key areas, including writing—a strength recognized and celebrated in the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú community. Led by Elizabeth Wardle, the writing committee consisting of our Local Advisory Board has emphasized the integral role of writing in ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú’s academic excellence and student success. This initiative reinforces our commitment to exceptional writing education as we continue to shape ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú’s future.
• Expanding Reach Through Faculty Development: ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú like the Lumina Foundation-funded "Sensemaking for Student Success" initiative engage faculty statewide, sharing ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú’s successful methods to bolster student success through writing. The HCWE is working closely with faculty in departments like Chemical Engineering to integrate advanced writing requirements, recognizing that strong communication skills are vital for success in technical fields.

• Leading on AI and Writing: The HCWE has taken a proactive stance on AI's role in writing education, and has provided leadership on the hot-button issue across campus. In a highlight of the day, student researchers gave a captivating presentation on AI and its impact on writing center consultants. Undergraduate consultant Meredith Perkins remarked, “I don’t trust the people who make AI, and that’s why we have to understand it.” Her statement underscored the importance of critical engagement with AI in academia.

• The Impact of the Howe Center: The final session focused on the center's historical impact, with a presentation from ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University Libraries detailing the creation of the Howe Center Archival and Digital Collection. Connor McClelland, a history major and student curator, detailed his work in organizing the Howe archives, selecting 200 items from a collection of 2,500 to digitize. The archive will soon be accessible to the public, preserving the story of the center for future generations.

We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who participated and contributed to the Howe Center's ongoing success.