History of the Learning Center

From a small seed planted in historic Phelps Stokes in the early 1970s, the Learning Center has grown into a mature tree with branches that reach into classrooms and faculty offices. It was nurtured by part time faculty and student staff for nearly three decades and in 2002, during the renovation of the Draper Building, a deliberate home was established for the Center in 106 Draper. Its purpose has paralleled an innovative idea of teaching—that all things are connected. Its support of the efforts of faculty to develop and grow has also been a critical part of its mission. The LC tree divides into two main branches: services are provided for both faculty and students.

In 1988, two labs, The Reading Lab and The Writing Lab, which housed the peer tutors, merged under the innovative leadership of Dr. Libby Jones. The merging of these two centers unified the teaching of reading and study skills with support for academic writing. Today, the Center provides full time leadership for faculty and student staff through a Program Director and Program Coordinator. The Center is home to 20-25 peer tutors and support staff—LC Associates—and provides support for new faculty, especially those in the General Studies Curriculum.