Jacob S. Blumner

Jacob S. Blumner serves as Professor of English and Director of the Marian E. Wright Writing Center at the University of Michigan-Flint within the Department of Language and Communication, College of Arts, Sciences and Education. His academic career spans over 25 years with progressive appointments from Assistant Professor (1996) to current Professor (2017-present), reflecting deep institutional commitment.

His educational foundation includes a Ph.D. in English from the University of Nevada (1996).

Blumner's research centers on writing center theory and writing across the curriculum (WAC), examining institutional partnerships between writing centers and academic departments. His scholarship investigates faculty development, curriculum integration, and assessment methodologies in WAC programs. Complementing this, he maintains an active creative practice in haiku poetry, publishing in specialized journals like Failed Haiku and Frogpond, demonstrating the intersection of scholarly and artistic writing.

Recent publications reveal evolving interests from foundational WAC theory toward community-engaged pedagogy, including gamified learning environments (D&D-themed writing camps) and place-based education initiatives. His work increasingly addresses K-12/college partnerships and technological implications for writing instruction.

As principal investigator, Blumner has secured substantial grant funding including EPA-supported place-based education projects ($152,119), Charles Stewart Mott Foundation entrepreneurship programs (totaling $184,136), and recent community writing initiatives: the "Rough Draft Cafe" ($6,000 from Pro Literacy Worldwide), "No Rules" Writing Group ($5,000 from Nora Roberts Foundation), and Flint-based writing access programs ($11,661 from Community Foundation of Greater Flint).

He directs the Marian E. Wright Writing Center while leading community writing collectives that extend university resources into Flint through the "No Rules Writing Group" and partnerships with Boys & Girls Clubs, focusing on natural resources professions and youth engagement.