Ann E. Austin

My family and I have been at MSU for more than fifteen years. I was asked by a faculty member, who was at the university for a time and whom I respected, to consider applying for a faculty position. I was excited by the opportunity to be part of an internationally respected university that, as a land-grant institution, is committed to the scholarships of discovery, teaching, and engagement. I also was excited to be joining one of the top Colleges of Education in the nation with its stellar faculty. Other strong pulls were the opportunity provided to my husband as a spousal appointment; and the opportunity for our family to live in such a beautiful state.

My family and I have loved our years at MSU. Hallmarks of the university are the rich, stimulating, interesting colleagues and the opportunities to become involved in and contribute to many aspects of university life. I have found that it is quite easy to meet and develop professional and personal friendships with colleagues across departments, who, through their diversity of interests and experiences, have enhanced my scholarly work and enriched my life. I also have enjoyed knowing and working with the students whom I teach and advise. Having the opportunity to support their learning is very rewarding to me.

I love the beauty of the campus, especially in the spring when the many flowering trees are in bloom. The campus gardens are among my favorite places for a walk, as is the River Walk in Lansing. My drive to campus each day takes me along the south side of campus, where there are some very beautiful ornamental grasses. I love observing the changes in those lovely grasses from season to season. The Wharton Center is another favorite place where we have seen some excellent productions and concerts.

Our three children were raised here, and we have spent some very happy times in the Children's Garden. We have all also enjoyed productions at the Wharton Center, and we have appreciated the opportunities for our family to hear various concerts as well as talks on campus on various issues.

Working with students and colleagues in the Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education (HALE) Program is a highlight every day. Also, since my area of focus is on higher education, I have appreciated the many opportunities to work with administrators and faculty on various institutional projects and issues--such as work on teaching issues, projects that support student learning, efforts to enhance institutional strategies for supporting work/life balance, and serving on a number of search committees to recruit excellent new colleagues. One of the greatest highlights of my academic experience as an MSU faculty member was my year as a Fulbright Fellow to South Africa. The year there was an once-in-a-lifetime experience for each member of our family and opened the way for both my husband and me to become Core Faculty in MSU's African Studies Center. Our continuing relationships with universities and colleagues in South Africa, as well as other international opportunities, continue to be a very important part of our lives and work at MSU.

My family and I have been very happy during our decade and a half at MSU. The diversity of faculty and students at the university, the friendliness that is part of MSU's culture, and the exposure to many cultural and intellectual learning opportunities, are all part of what make the university an excellent place to work. If asked to give advice to new faculty, I would urge reaching out and taking the initiative to meet others from a variety of disciplines and units on campus and making time, even as one works hard at fulfilling one's many responsibilities as a faculty member, to sample and enjoy the vast array of opportunities the university offers. I have found that being an MSU faculty member is simultaneously an important responsibility, an exciting opportunity, and a valuable privilege.