The Linda S. Bergmann Research in Writing Centers Grant

Linda S. Bergmann

This writing center research grant was developed to honor the memory of the late Linda S. Bergmann, Professor of English and Director of the Purdue Writing Lab.

In the thirteen years that Linda Bergmann worked as the Director of the Purdue Writing Lab, and in her earlier years as a writing program administrator at Hiram College, Illinois Institute of Technology, and the University of Missouri-Rolla, Linda impacted writing centers and writing studies in remarkable ways. Linda published regularly in top journals and collected editions; she taught scores of graduate-level courses in writing center theory and practice, WAC/WID, assessment, and administration; she directed eight doctoral dissertations and two masters theses; and she served on the doctoral committees of fourteen graduate students. Many of Linda’s students now direct writing centers all over the country and publish on their experiences.

Bermann’s Academic Research and Writing: Inquiry and Argument in College

As Director of the Purdue Writing Lab, and its widely used Online Writing Lab the Purdue OWL, Linda’s impact was global, and she travelled to Europe, the Middle East, and South America to deliver scholarly talks and run workshops on writing centers and university writing initiatives. At the time of her passing, Linda had published a writing textbook Academic Research and Writing and was working on an OWL-related project that garnered several awards, including a $1.5 million-dollar grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Most importantly, Linda believed in the power and potential of writing centers and writing initiatives to support learning and growth, and her work in writing center research exemplifies her resolute dedication to rigorous scholarship.  Linda advocated for evidence-based tutoring practices and always making administrative and pedagogical decisions in data-supported ways.  

This award seeks to honor Linda’s legacy by supporting future or ongoing research projects on writing center practices and peer tutoring. 

The form below must be received by August 15th.  The winner will be announced at the next NCPTW conference.

Recipients should acknowledge NCPTW support in any presentation or publication of research findings. Recipients also agree to file a progress report within 12 months of the award with the Bergmann Awards Committee Chair.