Inaugural endowed professor teaches how to connect writing with culture | MSUToday

as opening Karen L. Gilmore Ph.D. He is endowed with a professorship in professional and general writing at Michigan State University, Christine ArolaInnovative scholar and researcher, not only does she teach students persuasive and effective writing skills, but she also shows them how to connect to and understand their culture through their writing.

“Being chosen to serve in this position was very honest in the sense that the state of Michigan and the donor will see the writing as important in its own right,” said Arola. Too often, we take writing for granted. We ask students to write a research paper and we forget that writing is a practice that does not come naturally and needs to be taught.”

The position, created in 2019 through the generosity of OSU alumnus and former Ohio State Senator Karen Gilmore, supports student excellence in professional and general writing through the recruitment and retention of outstanding faculty. Arola, associate professor Department of Writing, Rhetoric, and American Culturesmoved into the role this year.

“I am grateful for Karen Gilmore’s recognition of the importance of writing and her contributions to writing, rhetoric, and American and college cultures.” Danielle Nicole DeVosChair of the Department of Writing, Rhetoric, and American Cultures. “Christine is an exceptional faculty member—in fact, exemplary—for honoring and engaging the goals of the talented position.”

Arola was also…