The Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow (WCDH) is pleased to introduce the new president of the board of directors, Allyn Lord. Outgoing Board President Peggy Kjelgaard said about the appointment, “Allyn is a perfect fit for becoming our next board president! She has extensive experience with non-profit organizations and has been on our Board of Directors since 2017. She knows us, believes strongly in our mission, and on top of all that, she loves to write! Please welcome Allyn Lord as our next Board President!”
Allyn Lord recently retired as the director of the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History. She has spent over 35 years in Northwest Arkansas museums, including the University of Arkansas Museum and Rogers Historical Museum. The author of several history and museum books, published the book Historic Monte Ne in 2006, and is now writing a biography of "Coin" Harvey. She has received two lifetime achievement awards for museum work.
Lord said, "I’m honored to have been chosen by the Writers’ Colony board to serve as its president. As a writer, I’ve had numerous residencies at the Colony while I worked on a historical biography, so I know from experience that giving oneself the time, solitude, and warmth of a writer’s suite is a true gift to oneself. I’m ready to move forward on the work and plans that former board president Peggy Kjelgaard and our superb staff have put in place."
Since opening its doors to writers in 2000, the Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow has made a lasting impact on the arts and literary communities through its mission to nurture writers of all genres, backgrounds, and levels of experience in a supportive environment that builds community, energizes creative expression, stimulates new thinking, and optimizes productivity. The WCDH has hosted over 1,500 writers from 48 states and 13 countries.
Congratulations to Allyn Lord. You are blessed to have her at the helm.