University Writing Program History

We’re in the process of developing a history of the University Writing Program at Virginia Tech, gradually gathering insights into its formation. Formerly known as the Composition Program, this academic unit was renamed as the University Writing Program in November 2021. The rationale for the name change included the regard for writing as a more appropriate and contemporary namesake, and, in addition, the acknowledgement that the program, which coalesces coalesces the first-year writing and advanced writing and research curriculums, the writing center, and writing across the curriculum, is accountable to the comprehensive university community.

Virginia Tech Directors of the University Writing Program

2023 – Julie Mengert
2022 – Derek Mueller
2021 – Derek Mueller
2020 – Derek Mueller
2019 – Derek Mueller
2018 – Derek Mueller
2017 – Julie Mengert
2016 – Julie Mengert
2015 – Sheila Carter-Tod
2014 – Sheila Carter-Tod
2013 – Sheila Carter-Tod
2012 – Diana George
2011 – Diana George
2010 – Diana George
2009 – Diana George
2008 – Diana George
2007 – Diana George
2006 – Diana George
2005 – Shelli Fowler (interim)
2004 – Paul Heilker
2003 – Paul Heilker
2002 – Paul Heilker
2001 – Paul Heilker
2000 – Paul Heilker
1999 – Paul Heilker
1998 – Paul Heilker
1997 – Paul Heilker
1996 – Paul Heilker
1995 – Eileen E. Schell and Paul Heilker
1994 – Eileen E. Schell and Paul Heilker
1993 – Bob Siegle (interim)

Scholarly Articles on the History of the Composition Program/University Writing Program at Virginia Tech

Heilker, Paul. “On Not Teaching; or, Confessions of a New Writing Program Administrator.” Writing on the Edge 8.1 (1996): 23-33.

Schell, Eileen E. “Who’s the Boss?: The Possibilities and Pitfalls of Collaborative Administration for Untenured WPAs.” WPA: Writing Program Administration 21.2-3 (1998): 65-80.