Dr. Matthew Nelson, Director

Dr. Nelson earned his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan. He is an Associate Professor of English at Francis Marion University and is a specialist in English education, composition theory, and writing pedagogy. He is the recipient of the 2011-2012 Outstanding Service Award at FMU.

Dr. Rebecca Flannagan, Co-Director

Dr. Flannagan is a Professor of English at Francis Marion University and a specialist in poetry, writing pedagogy, and American literature. She earned her Ph.D. from Southern Illinois University and currently serves as the chair of the FMU faculty.

Linda M. Dowling, Co-Director

Mrs. Dowling, a finalist for South Carolina Teacher of the Year in 2007-2008, is a National Board Certified teacher and Literacy Coach in Florence District One. She received her B.A. and M.Ed. from Francis Marion University.

Gail Hayes, Summer Institute Co-Director

Mrs. Hayes, a finalist for South Carolina Teacher of the Year in 2002-2003, is an National Board Certified English teacher at West Florence High School. She received her B.A. from University of North Carolina-Pembroke and her M.Ed. from Francis Marion University.