The Writing Center was founded by James A. Glenn, a member of the English Department, in 1989. It was first located in Hinkle Hall and staffed both undergraduate and graduate students. While the Writing Center was initially known as simply a "grammar center," the various directors and staff have worked through the years to move away from this misconception, letting the Xavier community know that, instead, the WC offers an environment for tutors and tutees to work colloboratively on all aspects of their writing.

In 1999, Dr. Allison Russell took charge as Director of the Writing Center. During this time, Dr. Russell established the Writing Center newsletter, which is written by student staff and still put out twice a year, and took over teaching the Composition Tutoring course (the semester-long training course all tutors must take before they can work in the Writing Center). The Writing Center also moved from Hinkle to the basement of Alter Hall.

In 2010, the Writing Center moved to its new home in the The Conaton Learning Commons. Today, under Director Rebecca Todd, the James A. Glenn Writing Center at Xavier University staffs five receptionists, nine undergraduate tutors, and two graduate assistants and continues to serve Xavier's students, faculty, and staff.