Catherine Becker

Associate Professor of English, Chair, Department of Communication, Language & Literature

Biography: As an Associate Professor of English at NNU, I primarily teach writing, early American literature, and early British literature. In addition to teaching, I have held various administrative roles on campus, including on task forces, councils, commissions, and committees. Most recently, I chaired the General Education Council. I also served on the Small Liberal Arts Colleges Writing Program Administration (SLAC-WPA) Executive Board.

Outside of NNU, I hold the title of Reverend Dr. Catherine Becker; I serve as a deacon in the Anglican Diocese of the Rocky Mountains and minister weekly at Christ the King Anglican Church in Meridian. In my role as a Deacon, I teach catechesis and other discipleship classes, share the Gospel, and participate in a variety of ministries in the church and in the world. I also regularly contribute poems and short stories to the diocesan arts journal Images of Divine Things.

I am married to Ryne and have two children, a son and a daughter. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, running, singing in choir, and playing guitar and piano.

What is your favorite thing about working at NNU? I love working with students! I am often struck by how lucky I am to read and write for a living and share that love with students. I also cherish guiding students through the creative processes— my favorite thing is when they surpass my and their own expectations and produce critically considered, thoughtful work. I also appreciate working with fantastic and dedicated colleagues across campus.

Share a few facts about your specific area(s) of expertise that you bring to the classroom: My dissertation research was in early American print culture and periodical studies. My post-dissertation research includes early American literature and periodical studies, as well as writing program administration in small liberal arts colleges. I also enjoy writing creatively.

Share a few pieces of information that represent your teaching experience and why you love working with students: I like to craft interactive courses that are engaging for students across disciplines. It’s fun to challenge high-achieving students and to work with students at all levels to cultivate an appreciation for reading and writing. I also really appreciate working closely with English and Spanish students and walking beside them on their educational journeys.