Lauren Holiday

I feel like Im working with the best students in the University, Mark Hall, director of the University Writing Center and University of Central Florida professor, proudly claims when asked why he enjoys his job. Since his first experience working in a writing center as an undergraduate at Emory University, Hall knew the family business of retail management wasnt for him; teaching was. And taught he has. Universities across the nation have benefited from Halls teaching and administrative contributions to their English and writing and rhetoric departments. He has even taught a writing for public relations course, an experience he believes prompted his excitement and curiosity for creating spaces for learning diverse writing practices. So, when a long-time friend offered Hall a directing position at UCFs UWC, he couldnt pass up the opportunity to be part of a program with so much support and enthusiasm for writing. As director, Hall has been able to transform the UWC environment from a work-study job that students simply came and did, to a subject of inquiry and a gateway to the larger writing and rhetoric field. In fact, tutors are now able to participate in a semester long course on theory and practice of tutoring writing taught by Hall.One of the chief joys of this job is to see former students achieve things that I never couldve hoped for.Which is saying a lot given Hall holds a doctorate in rhetoric, composition and literacy studies. When hes not managing the day-to-day operations of the UWC, Hall travels to local and international conferences for presentations on writing center theory and practice, as well as collaborates and writes research pieces for journals, newsletters and books. And, somehow, he finds time to enjoy the sunny Orlando weather while kayaking.The president of UCF has even taken a special interest in the UWC, a factor Hall cites for the success in merging the organizations mission so cleanly with UCFs goals. The great thing about working in writing is that it matters in every field. Thats why the growth of the UWC into each academic discipline at UCF is an important task Hall has taken steps toward accomplishing. If UCF stands for opportunity, its hard to imagine a better lead-in for students than a strong writing center.When asked what career hes interested in outside of writing centers, Hall comes up blank. I decided my first year of college that this is what I was going to do, and Ive been single mindedly focused ever since. Its this focus that will be the driving force behind the University Writing Center for years to come.Dr. R. Mark Hall | rmarkhall@ucf.edu | 407-823-2197