Dr. Scott Hicks, director of the Teaching & Learning Center and professor of English at UNC Pembroke, has been selected to attend the 2023 Modern Language Association Institute on Reading and Writing Pedagogy in June.

Hosted by George Mason University and Northern Virginia Community College, the weeklong institute will provide Hicks with a better understanding of the needs and circumstances of students at access-oriented institutions like UNCP, students who are primarily first-generation college students, Pell Grant recipients and students of color.

During the institute, Hicks will take part in intensive training in pedagogical theory and practices to integrate instruction in writing and reading and build stronger connections between introductory writing courses and upper-level courses.

“It’s an honor to be selected, and I’m excited to participate,” Hicks said. “I’m especially excited by the chance to focus on good teaching in writing and reading, to inspire students to want to explore further in the humanities––and succeed as they do so.”

As TLC director, Hicks hopes to share the approaches and strategies he learns with UNCP’s faculty.

“Thanks to this institute, I’m going to learn how to support my faculty colleagues by preparing students to succeed in their classes––and by helping other faculty incorporate reading and writing in their courses in ways that build on students’ growth and help them engage and succeed,” he said. “It’s important that I fully support my colleagues and create academic experiences that close gaps, support historically under-supported students, and foster intellectual and personal growth.”

Founded in 1883, the Modern Language Association of America provides opportunities for its members to share their scholarly findings and teaching experiences with colleagues and discuss academy trends. MLA members host an annual convention and other meetings, work with related organizations and sustain one of the finest publishing programs in the humanities.