Gavin F Hurley

Gavin F Hurley serves as Associate Professor of Communication & Literature and Director of the Writing Program at Ave Maria University in Fort Myers, Florida. His academic profile demonstrates a unique interdisciplinary approach that bridges classical rhetorical traditions, Catholic intellectual thought, and contemporary communication challenges.

Dr. Hurley's research interests focus on Composition and Rhetoric, with specialized expertise in Catholic Horror Literature, Classical Dialectics, and the application of rhetorical theory to business communication. His scholarly work consistently explores how classical rhetorical traditions can inform modern communication practices, particularly in the contexts of writing pedagogy and business communication. His publications reveal a growing concern with the impact of generative AI on writing and education, with several recent publications addressing this critical issue from philosophical and pedagogical perspectives.

His research trajectory shows a clear pattern of examining how philosophical and theological concepts intersect with rhetorical practices, particularly through the lens of horror literature (which he has established as a distinct subgenre of Catholic Horror). His work on the Chronos Principle demonstrates his interest in temporal dimensions of communication, while his publications on Augustinian composition pedagogy reveal his commitment to integrating theological insights with practical writing instruction.

• Major Publications:
• Influence with Eloquence: Classical Persuasion for Business Professionals (2025)
• Catholic Horror and Rhetorical Dialectics (2024)
• The Playbook of Persuasive Reasoning: Everyday Empowerment and Likeability (2018)

Dr. Hurley's scholarly contributions demonstrate his commitment to connecting classical rhetorical wisdom with contemporary communication challenges, particularly in the realms of business communication, writing pedagogy, and the philosophical implications of emerging technologies like generative AI. His work consistently emphasizes the enduring value of dialectical thinking and contemplative approaches to communication in an increasingly fragmented cultural landscape.