Van E. Hillard directed programs in writing and rhetoric at Duke University and Davidson College and has studied various forms of US rhetoric and its effects on public understanding and social change.  He received a grant from the William and Flora Hewlitt Foundation to support first-year writing courses focused on "Moral Deliberation, Disagreement, and Community" required for all Duke University undergraduates. In 2008 , he was invited by Davidson College to initiate its Writing Program.  He has published on 19-century literacy instruction, US memorialization, and the teaching of writing. Recently, he served as president of the national organization of Small Liberal Arts Writing Program Administrators.