About Center for Writing and Public Discourse

Message from the Director

Welcome to the Center for Writing and Public Discourse (CWPD). We are excited to support the writing and public discourse needs of our broader PVAMU family.

As of Fall 2024, CWPD has expanded its services to include support for undergraduate students in speech, debate, and writing assignments. Students seeking assistance will find CRLA-certified and trained writing and public discourse consultants (tutors) ready to support them through every stage of their assignment, including:

Understanding assignment guidelines
Brainstorming and organizing ideas
Reviewing drafts to suggest areas for expansion or condensation
Proofreading near-final drafts
Assisting with formatting and citation styles (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.)
Rehearsing speeches
Reviewing debate arguments

Our Philosophy

Our philosophy centers on the idea of “Improving the writer, not just the writing.”
We aim to help students become stronger, more confident writers not just improve a single assignment. Our consultants share writing strategies, provide access to helpful resources, and offer tips on time management and study skills.

Feel free to ask one of our writing consultants for guidance at any point in your writing process.

What We Do

The Center for Writing and Public Discourse is a peer-to-peer tutoring center run by students, for students. All of our consultants are trained using the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) Level 1 standards.

Students will find a welcoming, judgment-free environment where they can collaborate with peers to better understand assignments and build their skills in areas where they may lack confidence.

We invite you to explore our website to learn more about how we can support you in writing, speech, and debate.

Who We Help

The CWPD supports all PVAMU students, from first-year undergraduates to Senior undergraduate candidates.

Faculty and staff also benefit from our services:

All PVAMU faculty and staff have access to Grammarly Premium. Our consultants can assist with downloading and navigating this tool.
Faculty may also request custom workshops led by our writing consultants. Topics include APA/MLA/Chicago formatting, paper organization, and writing personal statements for graduate school. (See our full list under Faculty Resources.)

Hours and Location
The Center for Writing and Public Discourse provides in-person and online support during the following hours:

Monday–Thursday: 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. (Online)

Hours are subject to change during university breaks.

Location: J.B. Coleman Library, Room 209

Contact: writingcenter@pvamu.edu | (936) 261-3724

Meet the Director

Therese I. Pennell, PhDDirector, Center For Writing and Public Discourse

Dr. Therese I. Pennell serves as the Director of the Center for Writing and Public Discourse at Prairie View A&M University. She oversees writing initiatives, supports faculty and student development, and leads the center’s mission to strengthen academic writing and communication across disciplines.

Meet the Graduate Assistant

Seraph AisabokhaeGraduate Assistant Coordinator

Seraph serves as the Graduate Assistant Coordinator for the Center for Writing and Public Discourse. She is passionate about mentorship and creating spaces where students grow as writers and thinkers.

Tolulope OgunmakinwaGraduate Assistant

Tolu is a Graduate Assistant at the Center for Writing and Public Discourse. She supports Writing Consultants and assists students with academic and professional writing. Tolu enjoys helping writers connect logic, clarity, and creativity in their work.

Meet The Writing Consultants

Keeland Tye HarvilleWriting consultant

Keeland is a Writing Consultant at the Center for Writing and Public Discourse. He assists students with research projects, course assignments, and revision strategies. Keeland values clarity and enjoys guiding writers toward thoughtful, well-structured academic work.

Josiah Alfonzo JarvisWriting Consultant

Josiah is a Writing Consultant at the Center for Writing and Public Discourse. He assists students with course assignments, research papers, and presentations. Josiah enjoys helping writers strengthen clarity and confidence throughout the writing process.

Tyrionna Djanae HarrisWriting consultant

Tyrionna is a Writing Consultant at the Center for Writing and Public Discourse. She supports students in developing clarity, confidence, and strong organization in their writing. Tyrionna enjoys helping writers grow across disciplines through thoughtful revision.

Tamajai Malea JonesWriting consultant

Tamajai is a Writing Consultant at the Center for Writing and Public Discourse. She enjoys helping students connect ideas through clear, engaging writing. Tamajai believes every subject has a story and works with writers to communicate effectively and confidently.

Philip Onyedikachi UgochukwuWriting Consultant

Philip is a Writing Consultant at the Center for Writing and Public Discourse. He helps students strengthen their writing through brainstorming, organization, and revision support. Philip enjoys working with writers to build confidence and clarity in their academic work.

Alana R. JonesWriting Consultant

Alana is a Writing Consultant at the Center for Writing and Public Discourse. She assists students in strengthening arguments and expressing ideas with clarity and purpose. Alana believes writing is a powerful tool for advocacy and meaningful communication.

Ashlyn Rose ArchangelWriting Consultant

Ashlyn is a Writing Consultant at the Center for Writing and Public Discourse. She enjoys helping students express ideas with clarity, structure, and purpose. Ashlyn believes writing empowers students to share perspective and build confidence in their voice.

Winston Obioma UgochukwuWriting Consultant

Winston is a Writing Consultant at the Center for Writing and Public Discourse. He supports students with research writing, organization, and clear presentation of ideas. Winston enjoys helping writers transform complex information into accessible, easy-to-follow work.

Breanna McRobertsWriting Consultant

Breanna is a Writing Consultant at the Center for Writing and Public Discourse. She enjoys working with students to develop ideas, refine language, and strengthen written expression. Breanna views revision as an opportunity to help writers grow more confident in their voice.

Faith-Marie Williette McCarthyWriting Consultant

Faith-Marie Williette McCarthy is a Writing Consultant at the Center for Writing and Public Discourse. She enjoys working with students to refine ideas, strengthen structure, and approach writing with confidence. Faith-Marie values collaboration and believes writing is a powerful tool for communication and growth.

Jordan Dior CrockettWriting Consultant

Jordan Dior Crockett is a Writing Consultant at the Center for Writing and Public Discourse. Jordan supports students with organization, clarity, and revision, helping writers build confidence and effective academic writing skills.