Academic Awards
& Testimonials
I received three university-wide teaching awards while being a faculty member at the University of Oklahoma. Teaching is a passion, an art, a skill and a way of life. ​
Awards
General Education Teaching Award, University of Oklahoma–2018
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A University wide award for excellence in teaching performance at the undergraduate level
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Good Teaching Award, University of Oklahoma–2012
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A university-wide award given to a senior faculty member for good teaching
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Irene Rothbaum Award Recipient, University of Oklahoma–2004
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An award given to an assistant professor in the College of Arts & Sciences for Overall Excellence in Teaching and Research
Outstanding Black Faculty of the Year, University of Oklahoma–1999, 2000, & 2001
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African American Student Services
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Barbara Jordan Award–2000
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Outstanding Faculty Role Model
23rd Annual Big Twelve
Black Student Government Conference at Oklahoma State University​
Dr. Catherine John pictured with Sylvia Wynter
Testimonials
T. 123-456-7890
CINDY ROSS
Professor John’s pedagogies and theorizing has had a significant impact on me as a student—both personally and intellectually. Her pedagogy is one that educates and addresses the “whole” student. For example, her knowledge about how economic issues influence race and class allow her to present her lessons as embodied and contextual. We didn’t just study philosophies and theories, we applied them to our lives. Dr. John is also very giving of her time with students—advising and mentoring at a level far beyond that required by the institution. Because of her hands on and personal approach helping meet my needs as a student, I’m now in the dissertation process of my degree. Without Dr. John, I believe I would have given up a long time ago. And she’s still holding my hand through it all!
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- Cindy Ross (Associate Professor of English)
T. 123-456-7890
JASON K. QUAYNOR
Words will fail to articulate the impact that Dr. Catherine John has continued to have on my life. From our initial conversations in her Introduction to Literary and Cultural Studies course, I knew that I found someone that took a special vested interest in my progress. She has challenged me to think, grow, and develop into the scholar and upstanding man I am today. I owe an insurmountable debt of gratitude to her for her continued interest in me; I have embarked on numerous paths that I would not have thought of without her guidance. My next step in gaining my MSc. in Sports Psychology and subsequent PhD. is due in part to her. My continued success and cultivation is a direct testament to this phenomenal woman.
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- Jason K. Quaynor (OU Alumnus & English Teacher)
T. 123-456-7890
CARLA MARIE BUFORD WILLIAMS
Oprah once said, “there are 3 things that every human being wants to know- do you see me, do you hear me and does what I say matter?” Dr. John created this sacred space for me as an impassioned, young black millennial woman who had so much to say. Although I was a leader on campus, it wasn’t until I met Catherine John at OU’s Department of English in the refreshing, Hip Hop & Society course that I realized I was desperately missing something- a mentor. I received true mentoring from someone who perceived who I was but who was also still willing to push me to my potential. She is a black woman with her own platform yet she was not consumed with telling me how to “make it in this world” and fit into other peoples’ boxes. Dr. John encouraged me to believe in and use the power of my own voice- to set my own bar out here and shatter the boxes. As a business woman, founder, organizer/activist, speaker, (mother and wife), I am still thankful for the many ways she showed me “your identity is more than enough.” Not only is there room for us- but the world needs us. Thank you Doc. John!
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-Carla Marie Buford Williams (CEO, Consultant, Investor)
T. 123-456-7890
DR. DAVID
SURRATT
Dr. Catherine John has been and remains a mentor to me in her scholarship, instruction, and thoughtful guidance since first meeting her as my professor when I received my bachelor's in English at the University of Oklahoma. As a professor, Dr. John has a way of engaging ideas that go beyond the text and delving into complex imagination and social critiques that bring literature to the forefront of your mind while also raising awareness about present day issues and ideas. Her calm, confident, and challenging way of engaging in dialogue is ever present in her pedagogy and makes me, and all who learn from her, better thinkers and overall people as a result.
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- Dr. David Surratt (Dean of Students and VP for Student Affairs)
T. 123-456-7890
AARON PEPPER
Nothing prepares you for the day your life changes. Putting it any other way runs the risk of understating my experience with Dr. Catherine John whose classes not only transformed my understanding of what literature can be but also—and more importantly—showed me the liberatory impulses of black cultural expression. To this day I continue to study black fiction at a pace that is even greater than when I was at OU. Dr. John reads broadly and more profoundly than any other professor I know, asking razor sharp questions about race, gender and class. Today, many years after my course work is done, the issues she raised appear as urgent as ever. Dr. John is, as the saying goes, a force to reckon with.
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- Aaron Pepper (Finance & Equity Team Manager)
T. 123-456-7890
BAILEY BROOKS
Dr. John is one of the most influential professors I’ve had the pleasure and privilege of learning from at the University of Oklahoma. I first met her when I signed up for a study abroad program in Jamaica during the summer of 2016 and I was so impressed that I signed up for her “Hip Hop as Poetry” class the following fall semester. She has a unique ability to foster critical thought both inside and outside the classroom and promote introspection within her students. During my time in her classes, I learned about the history and culture of African diasporic peoples, but I also learned about myself and my writing. Without Dr. John’s influence, I would not be the same student, writer, or woman.
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- Bailey Brooks (graduate student at OU)
T. 123-456-7890
DOUG RIPPY
I first met Dr. John in 1998 after enrolling in an intro class. I got more out of that class than any other class in my academic career. It shaped my social viewpoint and would transform me as a person. I enrolled in as many of her classes as I possibly could on my way to finishing up my undergraduate degree. I even returned after twenty years to enroll in her grad classes. She was an inspiration and a valuable resource throughout my teaching career. Over the years she has been my go to source on both racial, socioeconomic and general social issues. We have discussed films, books, and events during that time. I look forward to doing this for as long as possible. Dr. John’s influence was an integral part of my success as both a student and a teacher.
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- Doug Rippy (OU Alumnus & English Teacher)
T. 123-456-7890
ALEX KINZER
Dr. John was my favorite professor in school. I have always appreciated how she is able to steer her students towards honest critical thinking and clear exposition while also providing encouragement and support. Her classes are characterized by open-mindedness and respect, and she is always able to guide her students through the discomfort of exploring difficult topics. My own personal conversations with Dr. John have led to broader understandings of myself as well as further questions to pursue. She helped me discover a self-confidence I wouldn’t have found without her help, and I consider her an indispensable mentor.
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-Alex Kinzer (Educator & OU Alumnus)
T. 123-456-7890
DR. GABRIELA
RAQUEL RÍOS
I can honestly say that I would not be where I am today if not for Catherine’s mentorship when I was an assistant professor in the department of English at the University of Oklahoma. Catherine has not only encouraged me through moments of self-doubt, she has also helped me to excavate the internal resources that are available to me for navigating the effects of living and working in predominantly white spaces. Catherine is compassionate, gracious, and generous. She carries herself with integrity in all things, big or small. She is a source of strength and support, not just for me, but for countless others! She has impacted the lives of so many, making her work as a scholar have impact beyond the walls of the ivory tower and into the hearts of minds of those of us who have had the privilege of being mentored by her.
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- Dr. Gabriela Ríos (Assistant Professor of Cultural Rhetoric, University of Colorado Boulder)
T. 123-456-7890
DR. TIMOTHY PETETE
Dr. John is an excellent teacher, mentor, and colleague. She compels students to embrace ownership of their ideas and their goals. Her generous demeanor, her knowledge of complex subject material, her commitment to inclusion and equity, and her investment in student engagement and persistence, helped prepare me for a career in higher education. I am grateful for all of the wisdom, advice, and support she has extended to me over the past twenty years. Mvto.
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- Dr. Timothy Petete (Professor of English and Assistant Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at University of Central Oklahoma)
T. 123-456-7890
RASHID CAMPBELL
Cathrine John has had a truly amazing impact on not only my college education but my overall approach to education in my life. She has challenged the fundamental ways that I have been taught in traditional public schools, which has led me to critically think about the forms of education that have been presented to me. Her approach to literature has been an un-matched beneficial experience. From her introducing me to Walter Rodney's How Europe Underdeveloped Africa to her perspective on Hip-Hop and significant moments in black music, she has done more than just educate me, she has helped open up a new way of thinking. This thinking does not only benefit me in the classroom but this has become beneficial to me in every aspect of my life.
- Rashid Campbell (Career Coach and Diversity Equity & Inclusion representative at General Assembly)