Periodic illness in his youth delayed his matriculation into high school, but Goucher nonetheless excelled in his studies and enrolled at Dickinson College 1864, from which he graduated in 1868.

[2] Following his graduation from college, Goucher sought to become a Methodist minister, telling his friends that he felt a "commission from God" to "promote Christian education" and "work for the unification of American Methodism."

[3] As his local reputation as a minister grew, Goucher eventually became more invested in missionary work, making numerous trips to China and Japan to help found and support mission hospitals and schools.

Goucher and his wife made significant financial contributions towards the school's founding, which helped the fledgling institution secure a campus and begin building an endowment.

As president emeritus, Goucher served on the college's board of trustees and participated in sustained fundraising efforts for the school.