National Writing Project Names First African-American Leader

The National Writing Project (NWP) is a teacher training, professional development organization that has chapters on more than 200 college campuses nationwide. NWP chapters design and deliver customized in-service programs for local K-12 schools, districts, and higher education institutions. Each university chapter of the national Writing Project provides a diverse array of continuing education and research opportunities for teachers at all levels.

Starting next week, Sharon J. Washington will assume duties as executive director of the National Writing Project. She is the first woman and the first African American to lead the organization, which was founded in 1974.

Washington was the interim director of faculty equity programs in the office of the president of the University of California. Previously, she was provost and vice president of academic affairs at Spelman College in Atlanta. She has held tenured faculty positions at Kent State University and Springfield College.

Dr. Washington earned a master’s degree at Central Michigan University and a bachelor’s degree and an educational doctorate at Ohio State University.

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