Catherine Peterson, associate professor in CAFNR’s Division of Food, Nutrition and Exercise Sciences, received the Golden Apple Award Wednesday, Dec. 3, in recognition of her sustained excellence in teaching and mentorship.
Peterson was surprised with the award while teaching NEP 1034: Introduction to Human Nutrition, by Bryan Garton, senior associate dean and director of academic programs; DJ Ryu, division director of FNES and Peterson’s nominator; and many colleagues.
To be eligible for the Golden Apple Award, professors must exhibit clarity, variability and enthusiasm in their instruction. Faculty must be accessible to students, helpful, personable and act as a mentor. They should provide multiple opportunities to learn and clearly establish objectives and expectations.
Ryu said Peterson teaches with clarity and precision, building her courses on well-structured syllabi, complete schedules, transparent grading criteria and empowering feedback.
“Her approach to the large-enrollment Introduction to Human Nutrition (NEP 1034/1034H) and Human Nutrition I (NEP 2340/2340H) courses demonstrates mastery of both instructional design and classroom management,” he said. “Across 2023-24 alone, she taught more than 1,400-1,800 student credit hours per semester, maintaining outstanding student feedback scores.”
Students consistently note that Peterson’s expectations are “clear,” “organized” and “trustworthy.” Her variability in teaching methods engages students with a wide range of learning styles; she integrates illustrated and animated slides, active learning tools such as Kahoot, reflective writing assignments, and discussion-based honors modules that encourage critical thinking.
She is also a mentor and role model who invests deeply in student success beyond the classroom, Ryu said. As director of undergraduate studies and academic affairs, Peterson advises undergraduate majors, supports student organizations and provides peer reviews to enhance teaching quality across FNES. Her mentorship extends to graduate students and faculty alike, and she was recently nominated for the William T. Kemper Fellowship for Teaching Excellence – a testament to her campus-wide reputation as an exceptional educator.
“By connecting course concepts to real-world nutrition practice – often through patient stories from her clinical and research background – she brings relevance and authenticity to the classroom,” Ryu said.
Students describe her as “fantastic and intriguing,” praising her “constant and valuable feedback.” She is highly available to students outside class, known for timely responses and meaningful guidance. In her honors sections, she facilitates open dialogue and ensures every student’s voice is heard.
“She is a role model for future professionals and a resource for colleagues, sharing best practices and helping others grow,” Garton said at the surprise ceremony. “She transforms large lecture halls into spaces where students feel connected and involved. One student summed it up perfectly: ‘She makes you want to learn.'”
