Transforming spaces: student-led mural project transforms university Writing Center

A new mural project at Transylvania University’s Writing Center aims to enhance student collaboration through art while creating an inspiring space. Savannah Kinster, a senior majoring in philosophy, politics, and economics with a minor in studio art, is leading an initiative to transform the campus Writing Center through a collaborative mural project that bridges art and community engagement.

The idea for the mural project originated during a conversation between Kinster and professor Scott Widdon, the Writing Center director, who expressed his desire to revamp the space. Inspired by the idea of enhancing the Writing Center’s environment, Kinster suggested a mural — an idea that quickly took root. 

“I thought it would be a great way to do a community engagement project that interacts with the space,” she recalled. The Writing Center, a space she credits with positively shaping her college experience, became the perfect canvas for this artistic expression.

Kinster’s path to this project began with a fine arts scholarship that enabled her to pursue a studio art minor. Initially uncertain about studying art in college, she discovered its importance to her identity and its broader implications for community development.

I think community involvement and creating public art is a really beautiful thing that impacts a lot of people.

Savannah Kinster

“I never thought I would get to study art at a college level,” she said. The project reflects the university’s commitment to learning beyond traditional classroom boundaries. 

The mural project emerged as a way to blend her interests in public policy and art, highlighting how they can work in tandem to enrich communities. 

“I think community involvement and creating public art is a really beautiful thing that impacts a lot of people,” Kinster explained. The mural was not just a personal goal but a way to create something meaningful for her peers and the broader campus community.

Widdon, who has served at Transylvania for nearly 20 years, sees the mural as emblematic of the institution’s creative spirit. He believes that learning happens not just in classrooms but throughout the campus, including collaborative projects like the mural supporting students like Kinster. The Writing Center fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, inviting all voices to contribute.

What we see in terms of art and art making at Transylvania are students pushing themselves to the edge of their creativity,

Scott Widdon
Director of the Writing Center
Professor of Writing, Rhetoric, & Communication

“What we see in terms of art and art making at Transylvania are students pushing themselves to the edge of their creativity,” Widdon said.

The Writing Center serves as a collaborative space where students work with peers on various aspects of the writing process, from initial brainstorming to final drafts. This environment of peer support influenced the mural’s collaborative creation process.

Over the summer, Kinster led a team of Writing Center staff and First Engagements scholars in designing and painting the mural. The group activity strengthened bonds among participants while allowing them to leave a lasting mark on campus.

“I wanted them to leave their mark on the university,” Kinster said. The design process incorporated input from various community members to ensure the final piece represented collective identity. “The close-knit connections with faculty, staff and students have really uplifted me to pursue my passions,” she said. The project has influenced her career aspirations in community engagement.

The project exemplifies how art can serve community needs while enhancing educational experiences. Widdon emphasized this aspect, noting, “We’re making something for an entire community.”

The writing center mural symbolizes collaboration between students and the university, creating a more welcoming environment for future students. “Spaces like the Writing Center allow for peer-to-peer collaboration in an approachable environment,” Kinster said. Through Kinster’s leadership, the mural project has created both a visual legacy and strengthened relationships among university community members