This year the committee–Lisa Ede, Oregon State University; Kurt Schick, James Madison University; Lisa Zimmerelli, University of Maryland University College, and Leigh Ryan (Chair), University of Maryland—reviewed an especially rich and diverse group and chose two articles to share the top spot: Michael Mattison’s “Someone to Watch Over Me: Reflection and Authority in the Writing Center” (WCJ 27.1, 2007) and Renee Brown, Brian Fallon, Jessica Lott, Elizabeth Matthews, and Elizabeth Mintie’s. “Taking on Turnitin: Tutors Advocating Change.” (WCJ 27.1. 2007).

The committee liked the way Mike engaged in the difficult activity of critiquing a practice (reflection) to which he is strongly drawn. We found his sophisticated analysis and integration of theory, practice, and reflection quite compelling. The “Turnitin” article offers a wonderful description of timely and collaborative research that included undergraduates. We liked their questions, and especially appreciated the blend of political/institutional, pedagogical, and ethical considerations.