Valerie Gouse

Biography

B.A. Ithaca College
M.L.I.S. Rutgers University
M.A. Marist College

Ph.D. Regent University

I was born and raised in Vineland and am a proud graduate of Vineland High School. I attended Ithaca College in NY, graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication, and soon after decided to continue my education at Rutgers University where I earned a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science. This brought me back to my hometown working as a librarian at Cumberland County College helping students find and cite research.
 
Recognizing that I was passionate about teaching and learning, I earned a second Master’s degree in Organizational Communication and Leadership which helped me become a full-time faculty member at Cumberland where I currently teach public speaking, English composition and technical writing courses. In the classroom, I strive to actively engage my students in critical thinking, encourage thoughtful inquiry, and promote mutual respect and cooperation.

I completed my Ph.D. in Communications from Regent University after writing my doctoral dissertation titled Ministry of Presence: An Investigation of Communication between Police Chaplains and Local Civilians in Crisis. Previous research I conducted regarding the work of police chaplains has been published in the Journal of Pastoral Care & Counseling. I currently live in my hometown with my husband, Bill, and daughter, Natalie.