As a sixth-grader, Terri Susan Fine asked library patrons if President Nixon should be impeached. Is it any surprise that she went on to study and teach politics?
A 麻豆原创 faculty member since 1989, Fine has received many awards for excellence in teaching, service, advising and leadership. Her research interests include women and politics, public opinion and voting behavior.
When did you realize you鈥檇 pursue political science?
鈥淚n high school, I realized that key moments of my life were tied to political events. The day I took my first steps, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. My older siblings thought my mother was upset because I鈥檇 started walking.鈥�
Where did you go to college?
鈥淚 went to the University at Albany in New York to study music and political science. I earned my bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees there. At the University of Connecticut, I discovered my love for teaching while working on my doctorate.鈥�
What do you love about working at 麻豆原创?
鈥淭he professional growth opportunities. 麻豆原创 is very supportive of research and new initiatives, which can mean new courses, new ways of teaching or new programs.鈥�
What would you change about the American political system?
鈥淚ncrease respect for unpaid work, in all forms that it takes. If more women were given prominent roles in politics, then there may be more respect for unpaid labor, such as the job of raising children.鈥�
What do you do outside of 麻豆原创?
鈥淚鈥檝e served as an Orange County poll worker since 2004. The work is a direct and non-partisan way to experience politics and an important way to help voters form a positive view of the political process. Poll working also enhances my classroom instruction.鈥�
What鈥檚 the funniest excuse you鈥檝e ever heard from a student?
鈥淎 former student said he fell asleep on Monday evening and woke up Wednesday afternoon to explain why he missed the Tuesday exam.鈥�
Is there a fact about yourself you鈥檇 be willing to share?
鈥淚f nothing had changed along the way, my name would be Esther Axelrod. My mother nicknamed me 鈥楾erri鈥� at age six months. My last name, Fine, was born at Ellis Island when my grandfather arrived from Russia. He spoke little English; his last name was Axelrod. When asked, 鈥榃ho are you?鈥� he thought they asked, 鈥楬ow are you?鈥� and he said 鈥楩ine.鈥欌��