Heidelberg University is a community, a family, comprised of as many personalities as there are people. With our “5 Things to Know” blog, you’ll get to know some of them. You’ll learn about their Heidelberg experience and other informative, fun – even quirky – anecdotes. Together, they tell the Heidelberg story.
Heidelberg was one of 40 jobs for which Dr. Pam Faber applied. Growing up in the country, she was always around nature and found that she preferred to spend her time outside, which is where her interest in biology first started. With six degrees under her belt, Dr. Faber teaches anatomy and physiology courses as well as two different labs. But, she is known for much more than her teaching.
Why Heidelberg?
During her interview process, Dr. Faber was offered an interview at Heidelberg and one other university. “I wanted to work at Heidelberg because of how small the campus is and how kind both the colleagues and students were. They all made me feel welcomed when I visited,” she said. With that in mind, she turned down an offer from the other university before she was hired at Heidelberg in 1987. “Kind of a knucklehead move but it worked out!” The close-knit community and willingness to know one another outside of school hit home for Dr. Faber, and Heidelberg has become a second home to her.
Degrees X 6
Dr. Faber considers herself to be a competitive person, and this is shown through her accumulation of six degrees. Her first three were before Heidelberg; a Bachelor of Science in Zoology, a Master of Science in Evolutionary Genetics and a Doctorate of Arts in Biological Sciences. She believes that the last of those three really helped to prepare her as a university professor. Following her accepting the position at Heidelberg, she earned three more degrees: a Master of Business Administration, a Master’s in Counseling, and a Bachelor’s in Health Administration. These last three were all completed at Heidelberg while teaching here. Not only did she receive a job opportunity but an academic one as well.
Teaching to registrar to teaching
Her first 10 years at Heidelberg involved teaching in the Biology Department, where she is now. Nine years following that, she decided she needed a change in life and began working as the Registrar. During this switch, she realized how much she missed teaching because she “didn’t have the same connections to students” as when she was a professor. So she decided to return to the classroom as the biology professor. In this role, Dr. Faber really enjoys getting to know more about students’ lives outside of school. “Their lives are very complicated and understanding that helps you think of more ways to be supportive in your academic role.” Most of all, she enjoys her work with students in small groups or one-on-one with research projects. The aspect of getting to know your students is a highly important factor to Dr. Faber as she strives to do whatever is necessary to help her students achieve success.
Cadavers and alumni support
The Cadaver Lab is a strong selling point for Heidelberg when it comes to students interested in the sciences and luckily we have Dr. Faber to thank for that. About 33 years ago, she worked with the anatomy department at The Ohio University who then agreed to provide Heidelberg one cadaver. That number is now up to three. “It’s been really great preparation for students going into health professions,” Dr. Faber explained as she herself worked with cadavers when she was a student. A fun fact about the cadavers is that before the science building had elevators, they used to ask men in the weight room to help carry the body bags. Nonetheless, we have alumni to thank for the cadavers. “They’re the ones who fund the labs,” she explained. “At this point in my career, I am really enjoying my interaction with alumni.” She adds that she and her students are extremely appreciative for all of the time and opportunities alumni are willing to give to support student learning and preparation.
Unite(ing) the faculty
As a very competitive person, Dr. Faber is also a very busy woman. However, in her downtime, she enjoys playing Wizards Unite, an app much like that of Pokemon Go but it focuses on the realm of Harry Potter. She is currently on level 44 out of 60! Many faculty members play as well, adding to her competitiveness. Currently, she is on the highest level out of everyone else. Not only does this allow for some fun relaxation outside of teaching, but it allows her to further connect with those around her, a very important aspect in life to Dr. Faber. It is evident that she is a personable person and strives for the betterment of not only her life but of all of those around her.
-- compiled by Amanda Overy, ’20