University Writing Center director in spotlight on ‘MTSU On the Record’

The professor in charge of one of the university’s most widely used learning resources was the guest on a recent “MTSU On the Record” radio program.

Host Gina Logue’s interview with Dr. Erica Cirillo-McCarthy, an English professor and director of the University Writing Center, first aired Dec. 25 on WMOT-FM Roots Radio 89.5 and online at www.wmot.org. You can listen to their conversation above.

Dr. Erica Cirillo-McCarthy

Since students must write papers in practically every class they take, the center is an essential aid to students with questions and concerns. Located in Room 362 of the James E. Walker Library, the center provides students one-on-one tutoring sessions with writing consultants by appointment.

“We see writing as a social act,” Cirillo-McCarthy said.

“Even though you might write, say, at 2 a.m. in your dorm room, at the end of the day, your writing is for an audience. So why not start that relationship, that partnership with someone who can act as an interested audience? And that’s what tutors do.”

The center’s personnel also engage in outreach services to local schools and compiles and edits “Off Center: A Creative Magazine for the MTSU Community.” The latest electronic edition is available here.

Cirillo-McCarthy took over directorship of the center in fall 2018. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Florida Atlantic University in 2003 and 2006, respectively, and her doctorate from the University of Arizona in 2012.