TTU Associate Professor Appointed Editor of Prestigeous Academic Journal

3.29.2024 | Jenna McAlister

Jason Tham, Ph.D., associate professor and assistant chair of the Department of English at Texas Tech University, has been selected as the new editor of the esteemed academic journal “Computers and Composition: An International Journal”. Tham will officially assume the position of editor in 2025. 

"I consider the editor of a flagship academic journal to be a key figure in shaping the conversations in a discipline and view this position to be an opportunity to nurture new scholars. I am honored to have been selected to serve in this particular capacity.”, expressed Tham. 

"Computers and Composition: An International Journal" is a pioneering publication dedicated to investigating the integration of computers in writing instruction, writing programs, and writing research. It serves as a vital platform for scholars to engage in dialogue about the myriad issues associated with writing and computer utilization. Since its inception in 1983 as a newsletter, the journal has evolved into a prestigious international journal, becoming one of the longest-standing journals devoted to exploring technology's role in the humanities.

Tham's connection with “Computers and Composition: An International Journal” dates back to his graduate studies, where he first engaged with the journal as a reader. Subsequently, Tham has come to know many significant scholars who contributed to the journal, including founding co-editor Cynthia Selfe, Ph.D., current editor Kris Blair, Ph.D., and continuing supporters of the journal and its associated field, like Michael Day, Ph.D., Becky Rickly, Ph.D., Sharon Cogdill, Ph.D., and many others who had informed his understanding of the field. 

Aside from being a fervent reader of Computers and Composition, Tham's academic journey has been significantly influenced by the literature published in the journal. 

“My own master's thesis and doctoral dissertation had relied heavily on the literature produced by the journal. As a graduate student, I also had the opportunity to co-guest edit a special issue of the journal, which introduced me to the journal-editing world. Since then, I have served as a regular reviewer and later a member of the editorial board for the journal.”, says Tham.

Furthermore, Dr. Tham acknowledges the strong connection between the field of Computers and Writing and Texas Tech University, with several founding members being previous and current Texas Tech faculty. This connection underscores the importance of his new role as editor and the potential impact it can have on both the university and the broader academic community.

As he assumes his responsibilities as editor, Tham looks forward to engaging with cutting-edge scholarship, mentorship of scholars, and professional development through the publication process.