Department of English and Philosophy Announces Retirement of Dr. Cathy Peppers

Peppers completed a Ph.D. in English in 1997 at the University of Oregon. Soon after, she was hired at ISU. 

Peppers’ career is characterized by versatility. She has taught a huge range of courses in a variety of programs. Peppers started at ISU as a Visiting Assistant Professor of English, teaching courses in first-year writing, creative writing, and literature. She also taught public relations writing strategies and coordinated internships in the Department of Mass Communications. Later, she moved to the College of Business where, from 2006 to 2016, as a Senior Lecturer, she served as the College’s Writing Coordinator and taught courses in professional development, critical analysis, and creative problem solving. In 2016, Peppers returned to the Department of English and Philosophy in a position as a Senior Lecturer in English on the Idaho Falls campus, where she taught courses throughout the English curriculum, especially technical writing, business communications, and first-year writing. She also created an American Studies course on science in American culture. In addition to teaching courses across multiple disciplines, campuses, and colleges, Dr. Peppers has also taught courses in multiple modes: in-person, via video broadcast, and asynchronous online.

Students comment positively on Peppers' courses, praising her organization, the sequencing of readings and assignments, and the way that she helped students not only to write better but to love writing. One alumnus, Kirk Lepchenske, now at the Pocatello-Chubbuck Chamber of Commerce, took Peppers’ Management course in Critical Analysis and Creative Problem Solving in 2014-2015. He recalls that Peppers transformed his life when she urged him to take an idea developed in that class and patent it. He went on to secure five successful patents on the product idea, and he recently sold all five patents. He recalls that, in addition to being able to spot a winning idea, she had an “understanding she shared with countless students.”

“I think of Cathy Peppers often and fondly. I will never forget her!” he said. 

Throughout her career at ISU, Peppers has received numerous teaching accolades, including a College of Business Outstanding Teacher Award (2012), an ISU Master Teacher Award (2015), and an ASISU-IF Outstanding Faculty Member Award (2020). She has also served on a number of college and university committees, including the General Education Requirements Committee, which she chaired from 2013 to 2015.

Peppers has also been an important contributor to the Idaho Falls campus, serving as Faculty Senator for the Idaho Falls campus, as faculty advisor to the ISU-IF Creative Writing Club, and directing student professional writing internships.  Peppers also created the Science in the Movies film screening and discussion series, a popular series on the Idaho Falls campus.  Peppers has received multiple ASISU-IF Outstanding Club Advisor Awards (2018 to 2021).

Peppers also has a record of creative and scholarly publication, including articles in The Faulkner Journal, Science Fiction Studies, and poems in the literary journals, such as Sugar House Review. 

Sandra Smith, a recently retired ISU Professor of Marketing, worked with  Peppers when she came to the College of Business in the pioneering position focused on critical thinking, creative problem solving, and writing. Dr. Smith remembers Peppers as a “good personal friend” but more so as a fellow teacher. 

“I am truly in awe of her tremendous talent and huge heart for our ISU students. I have no doubt that she’s left an indelible mark on those students lucky enough to share her classroom,” Smith said. 

Catherine Black, Academic Program Coordinator for Idaho Falls, reflects on  Peppers’ career, saying, “She has been a favorite of students in all of her classes in Idaho Falls. Students recognize her as someone who has high expectations and pushes them to grow, but who is also willing to accommodate their real life barriers.” Black continued, “She has also been appreciated as a strong advocate for academic cultural events on the Idaho Falls campus.” She continues, “Dr. Peppers' door is always open for students, faculty, and staff alike to discuss academic or other challenges. Her advice and assistance are valued so much that she was given a Charlie Brown ‘Psychiatric Help 5 Cents The Doctor is In’ figurine to put in her office.”

.The Chair of English and Philosophy, Jessica Winston, remarked, “We are grateful to Dr. Peppers for her work as a teacher at Idaho State, especially her dedicated teaching of students on the Idaho Falls campus.” Winston added, “Dr. Peppers has been an influential and respected teacher, especially for students in their crucial first year at the University and for English majors seeking to complete coursework in Idaho Falls.” 

The Department will be holding a retirement celebration for Peppers on Thursday, April 13, 4-6pm, in the Kegel Liberal Arts Building, Room 244, on the ISU Pocatello campus. All are welcome. For those who wish to express their gratitude, a retirement card will be available in the main office of English and Philosophy (Kegal Liberal Arts 262) until noon on Thursday, April 13, after which it will be available at the retirement party. As an alternative, expressions of gratitude or well wishes can be sent by noon on April 13 to english@isu.edu, and these will also be shared with Peppers.