by Carley Litten
Where are you originally from and how many places have you lived?
“I grew up in Los Angeles near the beach, right next to the International Airport. From there, I went to Santa Barbara-UCSB. I spent a year in Toulouse, France, got a Master’s degree at the University of New Hampshire, and I also lived in Ogunquit, Maine. Tucson—I spent seven years there. Four years in Buffalo, New York and 19 years here.”
What made you want to become a professor, and before you decided on this career, was there ever something else you did or wanted to pursue?
“I have a Masters in Library Science, which I got from the University of Arizona. I loved doing library work. I worked reference desk. I then went to Buffalo. I got to be a librarian at the Albright Knox Art Gallery which is a really small collection but it is top notch. You walk in and there’s a Picasso, a Miro, and Modigliani; all those important painters. I had a child and took time off, and in the meantime, I moved here. When he was about five, the Chair of the Department asked if I could teach French because I have a bachelor’s in French. It just sort of worked out that way.”
What is your favorite book and why?
“I can’t say I have a favorite book, but one book I’ve read recently that I enjoyed was ‘The Nightingale’ by Kristen Hannah. And I like Malcom Gladwell’s nonfiction.”
What are some hobbies you enjoy to take part in?
“I do a lot of yoga. I paint. I don’t usually have time except in the summer, but occasionally I work up a canvas. I write; I suppose that’s a hobby.”
Do you travel? And is there a place you have not yet been that you want to go?
“I have traveled in France, England and Italy. I really want to go back to Italy. For places I haven’t been, I guess I would like to go someplace with a warm ocean and skin diving, snorkeling, that kind of thing.”
How long have you been teaching?
“I have been teaching here for 13 years, and before that I was teaching in Arizona at the community college for two years.”
What is your favorite type of cuisine?
“I like things with different flavors. I eat mostly vegetables. It kind of depends on the seasoning. I eat a lot of pasta. That’s one reason I want to go back to Italy; the food is really good.”
If there is one thing you’d say you live by, what would that be?
“Be kind to each other, listen, and get some exercise.”
How many pets do you have and what kind are they? What are their names?
“I have a golden retriever named Juno. She’s nine months old. She acts like a puppy but she’s big.”
Who do you consider to be your biggest motivator?
“Well, right now it’s my dog because she motivates me to go home and give her a walk. If I am rushing around, it’s usually because of her. I know this wasn’t really the question, but someone I admire is my son. He is very passionate about justice and treating people fairly, is smart, funny and honest.”
