The Vanderbilt Writing Studio marked its 20th anniversary Feb. 13 with a reception in the Alumni Hall Reading Room, bringing together students, alumni, faculty and staff to celebrate two decades of mentorship, collaboration and academic support. The location held special significance: Alumni Hall served as the Writing Studio’s original home from 2005 to 2015.
Two decades of impact
Founded in fall 2005 and holding its first appointments in spring 2006, the Writing Studio has become a central resource for writers across Vanderbilt. Remarks from Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education Tiffiny Tung, Writing Studio and Tutoring Services Director John Bradley and Writing Studio alumni highlighted the relationships and learning experiences that have defined the Writing Studio’s work over the past 20 years.
Since its founding, the Writing Studio has held more than 76,500 writing consultations, averaging nearly 4,000 appointments annually and serving close to 1,500 writers each year. Over the past decade, nearly 10,000 students have visited the Writing Studio, attending an average of 4.2 sessions. One doctoral student completed 328 consultations over six and a half years, reflecting the Writing Studio’s role as an ongoing academic partner throughout students’ academic journeys.
More than 340 undergraduate, graduate and professional students have served as Writing Consultants over the past 20 years, contributing to the Writing Studio’s mission while developing skills that shape their academic and professional paths. During the anniversary reception, alumni speakers reflected on how their experiences as consultants continue to influence their careers and communities.
Angela Karas, BA’20, JD’24, who now works at a Nashville law firm, shared that her time as a Writing Consultant prepared her for law school by helping her adapt quickly to different writing styles as she transitioned from English coursework to legal writing at Vanderbilt Law School.
Claire Hanson, BA’21, a current Vanderbilt School of Medicine MD-PhD student, noted that learning to build productive dialogue with a wide range of clients prepared her for medicine, where she must quickly understand and respond to patients’ concerns.
Katelyn Rowan, a current Undergraduate Writing Consultant in the Class of 2027, echoed that sentiment. “When I applied, I wanted to help others with their writing,” Rowan said. “I didn’t realize it would be so transformative for me, too.”
Supporting writers across disciplines
Writing Studio consultations support students across disciplines and academic milestones, from first-year essays and course papers to creative writing, honors theses, dissertations, Fulbright and National Science Foundation applications and professional school admissions.
Nearly 250 commemorative pins were distributed during the reception as part of Vanderbilt’s ongoing Pin Drop Series to recognize the Writing Studio’s lasting impact on the university community.
Learn more about the Writing Studio or schedule an appointment at vanderbilt.edu/writing.
Follow the Writing Studio on Instagram (@vu_wsts) for updates, student stories and upcoming events.
