A West Virginia University psychology professor has been honored for her exceptional teaching of writing during the University’s annual awards season.
Julie Hicks Patrick is the 2024-2025 recipient of the Caperton Award for Excellence in the Teaching of Writing. Established in 2007, the award was made possible by the generosity of former West Virginia Governor and College Board president Gaston Caperton. Caperton’s intent was to “increase awareness of the need for improved writing skills,” identifying writing as a critical issue necessary to maintaining America’s competitive edge in the global market.
Hicks Patrick, a professor of psychology in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences Department of Psychology, is recognized for embedding writing and revision at the center of all her STEM courses, regardless of the level or type of course.
Under her supervision, students encounter a variety of engaging writing activities. They may conduct an interview and produce a 10-page biography, create social media posts or develop research abstracts based on secondary data sources. In each assignment, students engage with the course materials in creative ways with clear guidance and multiple opportunities to revise and resubmit their work.
In addition, she is recognized for acquiring over $2 million in external funding for research and teaching grants. Especially noteworthy is a National Institute of Aging five-year AGE-ADAR grant, designed to support writing development for first-generation, low-income, and other underrepresented student scholars in Appalachia. She is also honored for her long list of publications with current and former undergraduate and graduate students, giving students opportunities to co-review submissions to a journal she edits, and co-writing affordable textbooks.
As the recipient of the 2025 Caperton Award, Hicks Patrick will receive $5,000 toward professional development from the Caperton fund.
“Professor Hicks Patrick’s work embodies the spirit of the Caperton Award and serves as a model for others,” said Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Paul Kreider. “Her dedication to her students’ education and innovative approach to the teaching of writing is a stellar example of how WVU faculty go first.”
Award recipients will be recognized during a faculty and staff awards reception at Blaney House April 16.