[Ucrfacultyandstaff] Passing of University Writing Program Lecturer Joshua Fenton

[Provost]

Dear Colleagues,

I write to inform you of another loss in the University Writing Program. Joshua Fenton, a Lecturer in the UWP, recently passed away.

A graduate of Ball State University, Joshua earned his master's degree at the University of Toledo. In 2000, he moved to Riverside and attended UCR where he worked toward a doctorate degree and began his instructional career as a teaching assistant. He became a lecturer in the University Writing Program in 2005.

At UCR, he became the Analytical Writing Placement Exam Coordinator for the University Writing Program, leading the work to make certain thousands of UCR students every year were correctly placed in writing courses with the appropriate level of support. He also served the wider UC system as a member of the UCOP Analytical Writing Placement Exam team, becoming the Systemwide Assistant Chief Reader in 2018.

Wallace Cleaves, director of the UWP, shared the following about Joshua:

A devoted and inspiring instructor, Joshua taught a great number of developmental writing classes, working with students who often struggled with expressing themselves. He helped a whole generation of undergrads find their voice and confidence in his classroom tirelessly advocating for inclusion. Joshua worked hard to build a culture that encouraged and supported students, and in his own words he strove to be "attentive to the visible and invisible barriers my students face and, for example, acknowledge their unique home and study sites, internet access points, and different starting knowledges held by my students."

His students clearly felt his care and concern and benefited from his thoughtful instruction. In their evaluations, his students frequently commented on how he both supported them, especially when they were anxious about their proficiency.

It was also clear that he was a skilled instructor who was able to help them improve their writing skills and gain the confidence they needed to succeed in the university.  Students often commented on how much they had learned and felt they had improved under his expert instruction. As one student wrote, "I seriously believe that my writing skills have improved tremendously since taking this class, which was a delightful surprise. I hope he continues to hone students' writing skills because he is what every English teacher should look to as an example."

Joshua was kind, always making extra time for his students and never hesitated to help and support his colleagues. He was funny, with a joyful wit that saw the humor in everything and brought others along in sharing his delight. He is already missed and will continue to be by all who knew him. His absence is a loss for the UWP, the university, and the world which he made better by sharing his generous and vital spirit.

Please keep Joshua's loved ones and UWP colleagues in your thoughts during this difficult time.

Sincerely,

Liz

Elizabeth Watkins, PhD (she / her / hers)
Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor
Professor of History
University of California, Riverside
951.827.1129 | Elizabeth.Watkins at UCR.edu<mailto:Elizabeth.Watkins at UCR.edu>

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