In a significant step that builds on one of its most distinctive strengths, the University of Iowa will establish the Office of Writing and Communication (OWC) to unify, amplify, and expand the university’s rich legacy as a global leader in writing and communication.
The office’s creation follows the recommendation of a university-wide committee charged with identifying ways to enhance and support the many writing and communication programs across campus.
Housed within the Office of the Provost, the new office will connect the efforts of a wide range of communication programs, from the world-renowned Iowa Writers’ Workshop to the range of undergraduate, graduate, and outreach initiatives that have long distinguished Iowa as the “Writing University.”
“Our community of writing programs expressed strong interest in establishing this office, and their input played a vital role in its creation,” says Kevin Kregel, executive vice president and provost. “Writing and communication are at the core of what we do and who we are. This new office reflects our commitment to investing in excellence, fostering collaboration, and advancing innovative programming that prepares our students for success.”
A legacy of leadership
The UI has a storied history in the fields of writing and communication. From the founding of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop in 1936 to pioneering work in literary translation, nonfiction, journalism, playwriting, screenwriting, and more, Iowa has shaped generations of writers, scholars, and communicators.
Today, that legacy is reflected in an expansive and diverse network of departments, centers, and programs across campus. This includes the Undergraduate Writing Certificate, offered through the Magid Center for Writing and made possible by the Magid family's long-standing commitment to writing. Their visionary investment helped establish one of the first interdisciplinary writing certificates in the country, expanding access to high-impact writing instruction and experiential learning for students in all majors.
These advancements have enhanced the university’s national reputation for developing innovative, student-centered writing curricula that prepare graduates for success in many fields. The UI is continually recognized as the top public university for writing and communication by U.S. News & World Report.
The OWC will serve as a key partner in sustaining the university’s leadership in writing across the disciplines — a priority for both undergraduate, professional, and graduate education. The office also will serve as a strategic hub, supporting the work and autonomy of individual units while strengthening shared resources and visibility. Key responsibilities will include overseeing a unified communications strategy, as well as supporting programming and professional development efforts.
Built on campus collaboration
The new office is the result of extensive listening and consultation. Over the past year, a committee met with faculty and staff from nearly every writing and communication unit on campus, gathering input on the strengths, challenges, and aspirations of each.
“The feedback was clear and consistent,” says Andre Perry, executive director of Hancher Auditorium and the Office of Performing Arts, and a member of the committee. “Faculty and staff said they saw tremendous potential in a central office that could support collaboration, amplify our shared impact, and enhance the student experience across the board.”
Among the top priorities identified by the committee were greater support for student professional development, more cohesive messaging for prospective students; enhanced academic opportunities for current students; and better alignment, integration, and support of writing center efforts across the university.
Next steps
Initial staffing of the office will begin this summer with the hiring of an executive director who will lead the first phase of work during the 2025–26 academic year. This phase will focus on campus engagement and strategic planning.
“This new position will play an essential role in turning this vision and these opportunities into reality,” says Kregel. “By coordinating efforts across departments, the executive director will build a collaborative foundation that strengthens and sustains Iowa’s leadership in writing and communication.”
By leveraging existing expertise and resources, the office will be poised to make an immediate impact without duplicating the efforts of departments or overburdening faculty and staff. It will also work in close collaboration with the Office of Performing Arts and Engagement, colleges, and communications teams across campus to align and elevate storytelling about Iowa’s writing and communication excellence.