University Writing honors Clark for distinguished service to the ePortfolio Project

University Writing is honoring Miriam Clark, associate professor of English, for distinguished service to the ePortfolio Project. Clark has served the project since its early days: first as chair of the ePortfolio Assessment Committee and then as chair of the ePortfolio Steering Committee from 2015 through 2021. During that time, she mentored young professionals in project implementation, established and maintained relationships with faculty in many departments and represented the project at local events and national conferences.

Clark expressed her gratitude for the honor. Reflecting on her work with the ePortfolio Project, she said, “The ePortfolio Project’s focus on reflection and the integration of student learning was invigorating for me as a teacher and mentor. It is hard to overestimate the value of these capabilities, or the challenge—and the excitement—of working with students to develop them.” Clark also acknowledged the benefit the Project has offered to faculty: “The Project also created an opportunity for ongoing conversation about teaching and learning with colleagues across the disciplines; this has deeply enriched my experience as a faculty member at Auburn.

Christopher Basgier, director of University Writing, praised Clark’s commitment to the Project, saying, “I am grateful for Clark’s ongoing dedication to the ePortfolio Project over many years. Her distinguished service is a model for Auburn University faculty’s commitment to high-impact teaching and learning.”

Likewise, Margaret Marshall, professor emerita of English and former director of University Writing recalled Clark’s early enthusiasm for the project. Marshall stated, “When we launched the project, she was among the first to see its potential for helping students to see the connections between classes and to help students represent their skills and interests to others.” She also emphasized Clark’s ability to think “carefully and creatively about the issues that confronted us as we tried to implement ePortfolios in ways that supported faculty in their teaching.”

A plaque acknowledging Clark’s distinguished service now hangs in University Writing’s administrative office. She joins Bonnie Sanderson of the School of Nursing, Richard Burt of the College of Architecture, Design, and Construction, and Timothy Boosinger of the Office of the Provost in receiving this honor.

University Writing continues to support the ePortfolio Project through consultations with faculty, Miller Writing Center appointments and digital resources.