PVCC’s Ruth Yoder: 2023 SWCA Award Winner

Ruth Yoder, an adjunct professor, writing tutor, and long-time member of the PVCC community, has recently been granted the Professional Tutor Award during this year’s annual Southeastern Writing Center Association (SWCA) conference. This award not only recognizes Yoder’s commitment to her position, but also the stance of leadership she takes in it.

Yoder began her time at PVCC in early 2011 as a student. Nearly a year after her arrival, she began working in the school’s Writing Center as a front desk staff member, where she built professional relationships in the community. In an interview, Yoder said that as she spent more time in the Writing Center, she became intrigued by the tutors working around her. This led to her applying and officially becoming a tutor at PVCC in 2013. After 10 years of hard work and dedication, she won The SWCA Professional Tutor Award. 

Yoder attended the annual SWCA conference in Memphis, Tennessee, to receive her award, and she described this experience as wonderful and inspiring. “It is nice to speak with other tutors who can relate to the experiences we have in our Writing Center,” said Yoder. 

Members of the PVCC community greatly appreciate her work. Professor of English and Writing Center Coordinator Jenny Koster personally nominated Yoder and said, “Ruth is invaluable to our center. She has built so many thoughtful resources–handouts, videos, social media posts, English Conversation Circle topics–that have allowed our center to excel.”

Yoder plans to continue taking the initiative in her position to drive students toward their academic goals. She said, “I really enjoy meeting students and reading what they have written; it is probably one of my favorite things.”