Honoring Dr. Steve Wilbers: A Legacy of Empowering McNair Scholars Through Writing"

For over three decades, Dr. Steve Wilbers has played a pivotal role in shaping the writing skills and academic success of UMN TRIO McNair Scholars, leaving an indelible mark on the program and its participants.

The University of Minnesota TRIO McNair Scholars Program proudly celebrates Dr. Steve Wilbers, a nationally recognized keynote speaker, speech coach, and award-winning author. Over the course of four decades, Dr. Wilbers has provided on-site training and seminars in effective writing to more than 10,000 business, technical, legal, academic, and creative writers. His expertise is further exemplified by the 1,000 columns he penned over 26 years for the Minneapolis Star Tribune and other publications, a testament to his endurance and range of experience. You can explore his extensive work here: Dr. Wilbers' Farewell Column.

Dr. Wilbers' first column was published in the Star Tribune in 1991 and continued through October 2017. To appreciate his remarkable skill set, one only needs to read his second-to-last column, "It all begins, and ends, with language," where he reflects on the challenging times we live in, yet expresses hope for the future. His optimism is rooted in the students he encounters—individuals who have already achieved much to reach their current positions and who inspire him with the promise of their future accomplishments. Dr. Wilbers highlights the respect and dedication with which these students engage with one another as they work to develop their natural talents.

Dr. Wilbers' contributions to the University of Minnesota extend far beyond his published work. In 1991, the same year he began his columns, Dr. Wilbers also started presenting his writing workshops to the University’s Summer Research Programs, including the UMN TRIO McNair Program, the Multicultural Summer Research Opportunities Program (now Pathways), and the NSF’s Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers. Summer 2024 marked Dr. Wilbers’ 33rd consecutive summer presenting “Good Writing for Good Scholarship” to TRIO McNair Scholars. In an era where such long-lasting and consistent collaborations are increasingly rare, it is important to openly celebrate these achievements. The University of Minnesota’s TRIO McNair Scholars Program, one of the longest continuously running programs in the country, owes much of its success to exceptional faculty mentors and program partners like Dr. Wilbers, who plays an invaluable role in its ongoing impact.

For 35 summers, Dr. Wilbers has delivered engaging half-day writing seminars that captivate participants through entertaining and practical writing exercises, with a focus on editing, revising, and proofreading. He takes a customized approach by using scholars' personal statements submitted for consideration to the McNair Program, making the writing content highly relatable and developmental. Additionally, Dr. Wilbers provides comprehensive resources and quick reference guides to support long-term writing development across various contexts. Scholars consistently benefit from his expertise, gaining valuable skills to enhance their writing abilities.

Dr. Wilbers has been a vital thought partner and resource to both scholars and the McNair Team, illuminating key aspects of the hidden curriculum in writing. He emphasizes that writing is a continuous process, even for professionals like lawyers, doctors, and business leaders. His seminars help scholars find their authentic voice in academic and personal writing while addressing common challenges such as overcoming the fear of being wrong, working through imposter phenomenon, and navigating subjective feedback from faculty. Dr. Wilbers also teaches effective editing, the importance of accepting and giving constructive feedback, and the balance between creative flair and academic rigor.

In Dr. Wilbers’ 33 years of collaboration with the McNair Program, the summer of 2020 presented unique challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which required an overnight transition to virtual modalities. Additionally, the senseless murder of George Floyd and the resulting civil unrest created profound pain and obstacles for the McNair participants. During this difficult time, Dr. Wilbers stood out by asking, “What else can I do to support the scholars and the McNair Team during this unprecedented time?”

In response, Dr. Wilbers participated in a panel discussion titled “Finding Authentic Voice in Academic & Personal Writing,” alongside Dr. Na’im Maydun, then CEHD Associate Dean, and Nahrissa Rush, a McNair alumna about to begin her doctoral program. The panel addressed scholar concerns, offering insight, grace, and validation. Scholars expressed deep appreciation for the supportive and responsive approach of Dr. Wilbers and the panelists.

As we reflect on Dr. Wilbers’ remarkable journey with the McNair Program, it is clear that his influence extends far beyond the classroom. His dedication to empowering students, nurturing their writing skills, and guiding them through complex challenges has left an indelible mark on the program and its participants. Dr. Wilbers’ commitment to the McNair Scholars Program exemplifies the profound impact that one dedicated individual can have on shaping future leaders.