Date/Time/Location: Tuesday, September 23rd, at 4 PM EST / 3 PM CST via Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83810225220
Presenters: 2026 Conference Co-Hosts, Dr. Kathleen Richards, University of North Alabama and Dr. Kem Roper, Athens State University.
Abstract: The theme for the 2026 SWCA Conference is Leading from the Center, and we look forward to seeing shining examples of leadership from writing centers everywhere! Wondering how to be selected as a presenter for SWCA 2026? Join us on Tuesday, September 23, at 4:00PM EST (3:00 CST) for an interactive workshop and Q&A. We’ll explain the options for presentation types and offer tips for making your proposal stand out. This workshop is for everyone, but will be especially helpful for first-time presenters and students.
Dr. Kathleen "Kat" Richards is the current director of the Center for Writing Excellence at the University of North Alabama (UNA). Kat has been serving as the director for eight years, and prior to that, she was the assistant director for five years. She has a master's in English and a doctorate in English composition and TESOL. She has presented at numerous conferences, including local and national TESOL Conferences, English composition conferences, and writing center conferences.
Dr. Kem Roper has over twenty years of experience in academia working as a lecturer and assistant professor of English. Her writing center work began in 200- while she was in graduate school at UA Huntsville. In 2019 she became director of the writing center at Alabama A&M and in 2022 accepted the position as writing center director at Athens State University in Athens, AL. Dr. Roper teaches various writing courses, is active in several professional organizations, contributes to her local church and community, and is proud to be co-editor of the forthcoming collection, Writing Center Administrators as Campus Leaders, along with Candis Bond, Joy Bracewell, Wonderful Faison, and Stacia Moroski-Rigney, to be published by Utah State UP in 2026.
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