Kate Kelsey Staples, associate chair of the West Virginia University Department of History, was named the recipient of the 2016 Caperton Award for Excellence in the Teaching of Writing.
Dr. Staples teaches courses in the areas of medieval Europe, British history, world history, western civilization and the history of women, gender and sexuality. To Dr. Staples, writing is the cornerstone to the classes she teaches.
“Through careful and concise composition, we express our ideas, engage with others, and extend our knowledge and inquiry,” Staples said. “Whether to inform, process, persuade, or advocate, the practice of writing enables critical thinking for all students and helps prepare engaged citizens.”
Previously, Staples was the recipient of both the Eberly College Outstanding Teaching Award and the WVU Foundation Award for Outstanding Teaching in 2012. She has also received West Virginia Humanities Council Fellowship, the Bernadotte E. Schmitt Grant from the American Historical Association, and a West Virginia University Senate Grant.
As the recipient of the 2016 Caperton Award, Staples will receive $5,000 in professional development funding from the Caperton fund and be recognized by WVU President Gordon Gee and Provost McConnell at the annual faculty and staff awards dinner at Blaney House this spring.
The Caperton Award was established in 2007 by the 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.