EKU Names Director for Noel Studio for Academic Creativity

Russell Carpenter has been named the first director of the Noel Studio for Academic Creativity.

Carpenter brings to EKU the experience of coordinating the writing center at the University of Central Florida and a scholarly interest in exploring writing centers through the lens of cultural and political geography.

The Studio was established with a gift from Ron Noel and his wife Sherrie Lou, both of Union, Ky., amounting to more than $1 million – one of the single largest gifts Eastern has ever received.

The Studio’s mission is to serve the academic community as a collaborative, innovative learning experience dedicated to the improvement of communication and research skills.

Many academic libraries across the nation are recreating their spaces to accommodate a changing curriculum and a technologically savvy student body, Carrie Cooper, dean of EKU Libraries, said. “Students need flexible seating that can be easily reconfigured to accommodate large and small groups. They also expect technology-equipped spaces to practice presentations, develop ideas and create graphic representations.”

“I’m thrilled about joining the wonderful faculty at Eastern Kentucky University,” said Carpenter. “I know there’s a great vision for the Noel Studio for Academic Creativity already, and I’m looking forward to helping this vision become a reality. One of my favorite parts of any project is seeing a plan materialize. The next year will be special for the EKU community because we’ll see even more visible and tangible signs of progress on the Studio.”

Carpenter earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English, with an emphasis on technical writing, from the University of Central Florida and will complete his doctoral degree in texts and technology at UCF this summer.