New Face to Run Writing Center

By: Chance Dearolf

The Delaware Valley College writing center has a new director.
Ron DePeter, Ph.D., who was hired this past Spring has taken over the position.
“It’s always good to see the school bringing on talented people for the English department,” said John Giusti, an English education major.
DePeter has a Ph. D. in composition and rhetoric from Florida State University and national acclaim. While at Salem College, he taught a course titled “Happy Girl, Broken Wing” which focused on the works of country music artist Martina McBride. Stories on Country Music Television and in the Associated Press brought the course to national attention.
“Anyone that helps make class interesting and brings a new look to something that looks boring like English makes the students excited,” said Matt Murrin, a senior at DVC.
The hiring seems to signal the idea that the college is looking to bring on the best and brightest, even in majors like English and Communications which the college is not known for.
The Writing Center, a critically underused resource for Del Val students, could use the attention of bringing on a high profile professor like DePeter. It reminds students that these resources are important.
Many students involved with the English department are hopeful for what the change means for the writing center. One of the tutors employed by the writing center, Jennifer Tiao, was optimistic about the new director. “After one of our meetings, it was interesting to hear the ideas Mr. DePeter has planned for the Writing Center,” she said.
DePeter is taking over from Professor Jo Ann Donigan. Donigan, an English professor at DVC, worked for thirteen years to develop the writing center into what it is today. She remains part of the English department and a resource for DePeter.