When Anne Fairbanks, professor of English and vice president of academic affairs, arrived in Hastings, she didn’t know there was a college in town. She had only intended to carry on the family business. But when she learned of Hastings College, she had only one goal on her mind: to work there.
Fairbanks made a few trips to the college and explained her interest in a position. When one opened, she was asked to fill the position.
“It just doesn’t happen that way anymore,” Fairbanks said. “I suppose I could’ve gotten hired here in the standard way… by sending in a resume and going through interviews.”
Fairbanks began by teaching Introduction to Literature and Composition in 1983.
She later taught Literature of the Western World and Survey of United States Literature.
Fairbanks is not only enthusiastic about teaching but also working with students through the academic affairs office. She became the vice president of academic affairs in February of 2006.
Dr. Gary C. Johnson, from the University of Findlay, will serve as Fairbanks’ replacement.
“I’ve always been interested in taking on projects,” Fairbanks said. “I enjoy all all stages of a project, from seeing a need to gathering some people who are interested in it and figuring out how we can get it done.”
Fairbanks has been involved with the Student Fellowships Committee as well as Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK).
In retirement, she hopes to enjoy her sports car and attend more of her grandchildren’s sporting events.
Fairbanks still looks forward to attending HC activities but will enjoy being simply a spectator, instead of handling its finer details.
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