Former Harvard professor chooses Pacific University
Ryan Lutz
Issue date: 9/7/07 Section: News
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When most students hear that a professor chose to teach at Pacific University, after spending three years at Harvard University, they may scratch their heads and ponder the professor's decision.
However, in the case of history professor Lisa Szefel, it is true. Szefel comes to Forest Grove after spending not just three years at Harvard, but her whole life on the east coast. "I had never even been to the west coast before I came for an interview last February," Szefel said.
Szefel received her bachelor's degree from Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Mass. From there she attended the University of Virginia, where she received her masters degree, then attended University of Rochester, located in New York, for her doctorate.
Szefel teaches an animals and justice class in the First Year Seminar program, along with Cold War America; 1946-1965.
"Cold War America is a 300 level class. Mostly I have juniors and seniors that are history majors, but it is not limited to just history majors," Szefel said.
"I love the fact that I feel so supported by the faculty, and the fact that the faculty and administration get along so well. Now I'm getting to know the students," Szefel said of the transition to Pacific. She added, "I love that I am getting to teach what I want."
After hearing Jane Goodall speak Szefel said that she wants to bring the same type of humility and passion for the job to Pacific.
"After meeting with Dean John Hayes, as well as with Dr. Phil Creighton, and hearing what they wanted to accomplish here (at Pacific), I felt like I was getting in on the ground floor of something great," Szefel added.
However, in the case of history professor Lisa Szefel, it is true. Szefel comes to Forest Grove after spending not just three years at Harvard, but her whole life on the east coast. "I had never even been to the west coast before I came for an interview last February," Szefel said.
Szefel received her bachelor's degree from Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Mass. From there she attended the University of Virginia, where she received her masters degree, then attended University of Rochester, located in New York, for her doctorate.
Szefel teaches an animals and justice class in the First Year Seminar program, along with Cold War America; 1946-1965.
"Cold War America is a 300 level class. Mostly I have juniors and seniors that are history majors, but it is not limited to just history majors," Szefel said.
"I love the fact that I feel so supported by the faculty, and the fact that the faculty and administration get along so well. Now I'm getting to know the students," Szefel said of the transition to Pacific. She added, "I love that I am getting to teach what I want."
After hearing Jane Goodall speak Szefel said that she wants to bring the same type of humility and passion for the job to Pacific.
"After meeting with Dean John Hayes, as well as with Dr. Phil Creighton, and hearing what they wanted to accomplish here (at Pacific), I felt like I was getting in on the ground floor of something great," Szefel added.
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