In recognition of her dedication to and exceptional teaching of writing, Catherine Gouge, a professor in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences Department of English, is the 2025-26 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 and cross-disciplinary skill necessary to maintaining America’s competitive edge in the global market.
Gouge is recognized for her more than two decades of work in teaching writing and rhetoric across interdisciplinary academic settings, including medicine, science, law, engineering, nonprofit work and technical industries.
In Gouge’s courses, students interpret complex arguments presented to a range of audiences and in a range of media and genres, and produce a wide variety of written products, including technical summaries, case reports and grant proposals.
She also coordinates the minor in health humanities.
Gouge has also demonstrated professional leadership and mentorship in writing and health communication. She co-founded and co-edits “Graphic RHM,” a digital publication within the journal Rhetoric of Health & Medicine and has co-edited three special issues of major academic journals. She also co-led a week-long summer seminar put on by the Rhetoric Society of America, focusing on visual narrative and graphic rhetoric of health and medicine for graduate students and early-career faculty.
As the recipient of the 2026 Caperton Award, Gouge will receive $5,000 toward professional development from the Caperton fund.
“Professor Gouge’s cross-disciplinary approach to the teaching of writing is an excellent example of the work honored by the Caperton Award,” said Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Paul Kreider. “This award honors not only her excellence as an educator, but the countless voices she has helped shape and empower.”
Award recipients will be recognized during a faculty and staff awards reception at Blaney House on April 24.