Gass started his long teaching career as an instructor of philosophy at The College of Wooster, 1950-54. Then he moved to Purdue University, where over fourteen years (1955-69) he moved from assistant professor to associate professor to full professor in the philosophy department there. He was also a visiting lecturer in philosophy and English at the University of Illinois, 1958-59.

Gass started publishing his stories and essays while at Purdue University, and then his first novel and book of short fiction too. He became a popular instructor, as evidenced in the teaching awards and the Purdue newsletter and newspaper features included here.

Letter from M.B. Ogle, Jr. Regarding Missing <em>Omensetter's Luck</em> Manuscript

Letter from M.B. Ogle, Jr. to the members of the Purdue University philosophy department, July 7, 1958

"William Gass...A Man Who Says What He Thinks," <em>Purdue People</em>
"William Gass...A Man Who Says What He Thinks" - Purdue People, December 1967
Standard Oil (Indiana) Foundation Undergraduate Teaching Award

Standard Oil (Indiana) Foundation Undergraduate Teaching Award, May 2, 1967 

Sigma Delta Chi Professional Journalistic Society Best Teacher Award, 1967-1968

Sigma Delta Chi Professional Journalistic Society Best Teacher Award, 1967-1968

The Students of Purdue University Best Teacher in the School of Humanities award, May 1968

The Students of Purdue University Best Teacher in the School of Humanities award, May 1968

"Literary Awards Banquet, Outstanding Writers Honored" by Bob Metzger

"Literary Awards Banquet, Outstanding Writers Honored" - The Purdue Exponent, May 3, 1968

"Art and Other Things: A Conversation with William Gass"

"Art and Other Things: A Conversation with William Gass" - The Purdue Exponent, May 22, 1969

"Teach-In on 'The Concept of Freedom'"

Program for a "Teach-In on 'The Concept of Freedom,'" at Purdue University, April 28, 1969