2月. 13, 2024
Reading time: 2 minutes, 44 seconds
玛莎·安·桑德斯

A testament to the University of West Georgia’s commitment to fostering literary excellence, the 博彩平台推荐 First-Year Writing program’s roots embody a rich legacy that continues to shape the journey of aspiring writers. This scholarship further exemplifies 博彩平台推荐's dedication to cultivating a dynamic and competitive academic environment, aligning seamlessly with the university's 战略计划 to remain at the forefront of educational innovation. 

At the heart of this legacy is Dr. 玛莎·安·桑德斯, who served as director of the First-Year Writing program in the 1980s and whose vision laid the foundation for scholarly pursuits that stand the test of time. Due in large part to Saunders’ service and support, the First-Year Writing Program is a cornerstone of academic excellence at 博彩平台推荐.

“Our program centers on two goals: focusing on concrete skills and developing soft skills that students often need help cultivating,邦妮·杰特说, director of 博彩平台推荐’s First-Year Writing program. “Our ultimate goal is that students who take these courses become better writers and emerge as critical thinkers. We prepare students to navigate a culture of media oversaturation, emphasizing information literacy as a critical skill.” 

博彩平台推荐 student writing in a classroom

The program fosters a holistic approach to education as many first-year writing courses teach college basics like note-taking, 注释, and other concepts that may be new to first-year students.

“We recognized that most of our students come from diverse backgrounds; as such, many struggle with the sense that they don’t belong or won’t be able to succeed,杰特解释道. “That fixed mindset often leads to a lack of student engagement. Our faculty addresses this early in our first-year writing courses, foregrounding growth and purpose mindset principles that we can always adapt to new situations.”

As the First-Year Writing program continues to foster academic excellence, the faculty's dedication drives the program’s success.  

“Without question, the First-Year Writing Program’s strength is its dedicated faculty,” Jett said. “Our program is unique because most faculty have taught these same courses at 博彩平台推荐 for nearly a decade or more.”

教师 members are not just educators but mentors, 指南, and pillars of support for first-year students navigating the complexities of higher education. 

Saunders remains integral to this program’s ongoing success through her commitment to the program and her recent creation of the Dr. 玛莎·安·桑德斯 Scholarship for First-Year Writing Endowment. 

“We are beyond thrilled that Dr. Saunders has so generously offered this scholarship,” said Bonnie. 即使在退休后, she has remained a pillar of support for the First-Year Writing program, and we’re very grateful.”

The indelible mark left by Dr. Saunders’ leadership of the First-Year Writing program stands amidst decades of legacies that strive to impact students and their writing careers. 

从左到右:博士. Karen Owen, dean of 博彩平台推荐’s University College; Anita L. Saunders, 博彩平台推荐 manager of travel services; Dr. 玛莎·安·桑德斯; Jake Saunders; Dr. David Newton, 博彩平台推荐 professor and senior fellow for student success
从左到右:博士. Karen Owen, dean of 博彩平台推荐’s University College; Anita L. Saunders, 博彩平台推荐 manager of travel services; Dr. 玛莎·安·桑德斯; Jake Saunders '18; Dr. David Newton, 博彩平台推荐 professor and senior fellow for student success

“The art of good writing is hard to find nowadays,” Saunders said. “Clear, thoughtful expression is a skill that opens doors and transcends disciplines. I hope students feel empowered to refine their writing skills and cultivate a mastery of impactful and timeless language.” 

的博士. 玛莎·安·桑德斯 Scholarship for First-Year Writing Endowment will be awarded for the first time in Spring 2024 and will continue to be awarded annually to students with experience in writing-centered activities who have declared a major and/or minor related to writing.

For more information about how you can make an impact by supporting 博彩平台推荐 and the Dr. 玛莎·安·桑德斯 Endowment, please visit 博彩平台推荐’s 给西 页面.