Barbara Hawthorne

I lecture in Women’s Studies and Anthropology Programs at UNC. I’ve been here about six years.

Every college campus is different. What I like best about UNC is that I’m allowed to be free in what I teach. Because of that, I can engage students in a better way. Other institutions have restricted me. I always tell my students that we go “off I-25” a lot in my classes. And we do.

I recently did research and Web page development for the “Archival Initiative” program at the Fort Collins Public Library on Mexican-American women and their families in northern Colorado. It was really gratifying. I also recently published Fieldwork in the Sugar Beet Fields of Northern Colorado. High Plains Applied Anthropologist (Boulder, CO: University of Colorado), a narrative authored by a Mexican-American female who worked the fields in the 1950s. And right now, my master’s thesis is being reviewed for publication in Germany.

I really enjoy connecting with the students here at UNC. The students here are exceptional.

Favorite spot on campus:

My office, because it’s "me." I have all my pictures there, and it’s an informal place where I can connect with students and assist them.

Favorite pastimes:

Swimming or art. I enjoy sketching, and I do some acrylic and watercolors, too.

Pet peeve:

Students who don’t come to class—and my students know that. It also makes me crazy if they walk out of my class to answer a cell phone.

Favorite song:

My all-time favorite is Bob Dylan, and I like all of his songs.

Best advice for new students:

Come to class. Buy the books. Introduce yourself to your professors. Get to know your instructor outside of class. It makes a real difference. And show that you are interested in learning. Don’t sleep in class!

Favorite off campus restaurant:

Thai Pepper in Fort Collins

Background:

I grew up in Denver and Estes Park. I have my B.A. and M.A. in Anthropology from Colorado State University, and my Ph.D. in Education and Anthropology and Certificate in Women’s Studies from Colorado State University.

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