Linda Adler-Kassner

Linda Adler-Kassner is Associate Vice Chancellor of Teaching and Learning; Faculty Director of the Center for Innovative Teaching, Research, and Learning; and Professor of Writing Studies at UC Santa Barbara.

As a researcher, teacher, and administrator, Adler-Kassner’s work focuses on studying and improving conditions for equitable and inclusive learning in postsecondary education. A writing teacher for more than 30 years, she has taught courses ranging from first year composition (aka “freshman comp”) to graduate courses in composition theory and pedagogy. She has served as a department chair, dean, and director of multiple units focusing on learning. In 2015, Adler-Kassner was awarded the UCSB Distinguished Teaching Award based on nominations from former undergraduate and graduate students, as well as faculty colleagues who participated in her ongoing pedagogy seminars. During her tenure as Director (Chair) of the UCSB Writing Program, that unit was also recognized with the Conference on College Composition and Communication Writing Program Certificate of Excellence Award for its innovative approaches to writing pedagogy and assessment.

Author, co-author, or co-editor of 13 books and more than 50 articles and book chapters, Adler-Kassner’s scholarship has garnered multiple awards. Her 2006 book, The Activist WPA: Changing Stories About Writers and Writing was awarded the Best Book Award by the Council of Writing Program Administrators. Another book, Naming What We Know: Threshold Concepts of Writing Studies, co-edited with Elizabeth Wardle, received the Distinguished Contribution to the Discipline Award from the same organization. Her last book is Writing Expertise: A Research-Based Approach to Writing and Learning Across Disciplines (co-authored with Elizabeth Wardle; WAC Press, 2024). Her new book, co-edited with Chris Gallagher, is Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn: A Collaborative Syllabus for Higher Education Leadership, is under contract with the Elon Center for Engaged Learning Open Access Series to be published in 2025. She regularly consults with departments and institutions nationally and internationally on issues associated with research-based approaches to systemic institutional equity and equity-based leadership.

Adler-Kassner has occupied leadership roles in national and international organizations representing writing and learning, as well as contributing to leadership roles at UC Santa Barbara. She served as the President of the Council of Writing Program Administrators, the largest organization representing writing program chairs; the Chair of the Conference on College Composition and Communication, writing studies’ major disciplinary association; and an executive board member for the National Council of Teachers of English. Adler-Kassner is an active contributor to Undergraduate Education in Research Universities, an organization that advocates for learners and learning in research-intensive and research-focused institutions.