John is founding director of Princeton Writes, a program established in 2013 to strengthen the practical communication skills of our University community. Prior to assuming this role, he served as assistant to and speechwriter for now University President Emerita Shirley M. Tilghman and as an archivist at a number of institutions, including Princeton's Seeley G. Mudd Manuscript Library. He holds a BA (Hons) in History and Spanish from the University of King's College and Dalhousie University and an MA in History from the University of British Columbia.

I didn't set out to be a writer and editor, but, at Princeton, I discovered there is nothing more satisfying than helping others to communicate in a compelling way. I feel fortunate to work for an institution that values the written and spoken word and is committed to giving students and employees the tools they need to express themselves effectively.

Princeton Writes is delighted to partner with GradFUTURES, a collaboration that has enhanced our ability and that of other programs to help graduate students develop their skills and channel their talents in fruitful ways. GradFUTURES has not only demonstrated that "it takes a village" to support our graduate students, it has also nurtured this village to the benefit of all.

I have participated in the following GradFUTURES Programs:

• University Administrative Fellowship Program
• GradFUTURES Learning Cohort