TAYLOR MOVES PROFESSIONAL WRITING PROGRAM
Taylor University officials have announced that the professional writing program, currently offered at Taylor University Fort Wayne (TUFW), will transfer its total operations from Fort Wayne to Upland in time for the start of the fall 2009 semester. At present, this major has 86 full-time students, as well as more than 40 other students taking writing courses on a part-time basis or online.
Upon its recent decision to discontinue the traditional undergraduate program at TUFW (effective May 31, 2009), the University’s Board of Trustees tasked the administration to study which TUFW programs may be consolidated into the undergraduate program on Taylor’s Upland campus. According to Taylor president Dr. Eugene B. Habecker, “The professional writing program both complements and aligns well with Upland’s undergraduate program.”
Dr. Dennis E. Hensley, director of the writing program, originated the professional writing major in 1997 when only two students registered for his classes. Today, it is recognized as the leading professional writing program among private colleges nationwide. Graduates hold positions as magazine editors, book publishers, public relations executives, university professors, authors and scriptwriters. Hensley, himself, is the author of more than 50 books and 3,000 newspaper and magazine articles. Transferring with Dr. Hensley to the Upland campus will be Dr. Pamela Jordan-Long, who will serve as a faculty member teaching professional writing, general education courses as well as oversee student advising and other administrative duties within the department.
“I’m pleased to know that we will be able to continue the program in the same capacity it now functions,” said Dr. Hensley. “We will be at a new location, but there will be similar course offerings, special writing seminars and workshops, and student mentoring.”
Dr. Steve Bedi, Taylor provost, attributes the success of the professional writing program to the expertise of Drs. Hensley and Jordan-Long. “Dennis and Pam bring a high academic standard to the classroom as well as outstanding experience and understanding of the possibilities in professional writing, which in turn fosters student success. We welcome the students who are currently enrolled in the program and are committed to a smooth transition to maximize their creative and professional opportunities.”
“Our intent is to use the expanded facilities of the Upland campus to help our students maximize their creative and professional opportunities,” said Hensley. “I see this as the opening of new vistas in educational options and vocational enhancement for the professional writing majors.”
The professional writing program will be called the Department of Professional Writing and will be part of the University’s School of Professional and Graduate Studies. Dr. Hensley will serve as director and chair of the writing program.
About Taylor University: Founded in 1846, Taylor University is an interdenominational liberal arts university of evangelical faith located in Upland, Ind. The 2009 U.S. News and World Report survey America’s Best Colleges ranked Taylor the number one Baccalaureate College in the Midwest. It marked Taylor’s second straight top ranking following ten straight years of being ranked in the region’s Top Three.
Taylor University is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).
> Read More Information About Us
> More Articles Written By Our Staff
- Celebrating 20 Years Of Community At The Stand - April 12, 2024
- First Positive Case Of Chronic Wasting Disease In Indiana - April 12, 2024
- Southwest Allen County Schools Embark On Major Tree Plantings - April 12, 2024