As Dr. Ann Gathers (‘92) literally follows in the footsteps of her grandfather and parents at UT Martin, she has the perfect explanation. “As a biologist, I have to say that teaching is in our genes. It’s an honor to teach with my parents in the footsteps of my grandfather. I believe that my parents have a solid reputation here as professors, who have a strong work ethic and who care about their students and colleagues. I am trying to live up to that reputation,” she said.
Gathers, UT Martin assistant professor of biology since 2005, is the daughter of Dr. Emery Gathers, professor of computer science since 1967, and Judy Harbison Gathers, instructor of math since 1985. She is the granddaughter of James Harbison, who taught chemistry and physics from 1947-51 when it was UT Junior College.
While Harbison is quick to tell you that he accepted a teaching position at the institution because “I needed something to live on,” he adds that he is “lucky” three generations of the family have been employed at the university.
Harbison retired in 1974 from Southern Illinois University, in Carbondale, where he also received a bachelor’s degree in physics. He earned a master’s degree in physics at the University of Illinois, in Champagne-Urbana. During his career, he also taught at the elementary and high school levels.
Ann received a bachelor’s degree at UT Martin; master’s at the University of Louisville; and a doctorate at the University of Kentucky. Judy received a bachelor’s degree at SIU and master’s at Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio. Judy’s husband, Emery, received a bachelor’s degree at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, a master’s at Bowling Green and an educational specialist degree and doctor of education at Oklahoma State University, in Stillwater. Rounding out the family of teachers, Agnes Harbison, Judy’s mother, taught in public schools and Judy’s maternal aunt, Dr. Helen Duda, taught Greek and Latin at the university and public school levels.
It is probably Judy who has the best perspective of the legacy and what it means. “I lived here for five years when my dad taught physics and chemistry. I had not thought that I would ever live here again, let alone teach here, although, when I was working on my bachelor’s degree in mathematics, Dr. (Paul) Meek, (former longtime chancellor) told me to come back here when I was ready for a teaching position.” She added, “I really had not thought that either of our children would ever teach here either, but I am glad that Ann could do so.”
The Gathers’ son, Adam, is a Techtronic Industries North America, Inc., senior project engineer. He is a UT alumnus. He and his wife, Anna, live in Anderson, S.C., with their two children, Noah and Katie.
Judy also thinks of UT Martin a little differently than other professors because of her history with the institution. The family lived in barracks where the Grove Apartments are now located. She has heard her father say that the family was probably poorer then, “but it was one of their happier times.” She added, “I have so many positive childhood memories of this campus. My dad painted my first bicycle in one of the older buildings on campus. That was a wonderful Christmas present.”
“I did not forget the beauty of the campus or the friends I had here. I loved living here as a young girl, and I still enjoy it,” she said. “I like small college towns. They offer the best of everything – the beauty and culture of a university and a relaxing and family-centered environment. I believe my children still appreciate having Martin and the campus as their home.”
And, even though many years have passed, Mr. Harbison can hearken back to those days, as well. In fact, he remembers being hired. When he asked where the physics lab was located, he remarked, it was handed to him “in a pasteboard box.” He also remembers that there were very few buildings on campus at the time. He recalls teaching in what is now the Sociology Building and eating in the cafeteria where WLJT-TV/DT is currently housed. He had approximately 35 students in class each quarter, mostly male at that time, and was expected not only to teach summer school, but to help build concrete bleachers at the football stadium – all for the same salary. “You got paid a little bit,” he said of $3,000 annual earnings. He liked teaching, but not grading papers. And, he remembers that all of the faculty knew each other and “did things together,” including races at the football field. From what he experienced and has noted through the years–“students haven’t changed much.”
Emery agrees. “Every generation has had to deal with different environments, problems and technologies. Each generation has done a great job in adapting and handling them,” he said. “I am convinced our young people will continue to do likewise.” That leads him to note the most fulfilling part of his teaching career has been “working with students who are eager to learn.”
Pursuing that career at UT Martin has been a joy. “UT Martin is a great place to teach, do research and work with caring professionals in a great, friendly, rural-community environment,” he said. “I am one small part of an organizational team consisting of many faculty, staff and administrators who really care about providing educational opportunities for adults.” When he retires in the next five years, Emery wants to be remembered as a faculty member who was “a Christian and a good citizen.”
As a couple, teaching together at UT Martin has been an added benefit, Emery said. “Judy and I understand each others’ job responsibilities. We are complements of each other, which makes us function better as a team in everything we do in our personal and professional lives.”
Judy also enjoys her time in the classroom and working with students. “I hope I have been some help to them in their lives.” The big difference she notes in students today is the balance they have to strike in their lives with many working full time, taking a full course load, being married and raising a family.
She wants to be remembered as a “teacher who did her best to explain the subject matter and make it relevant, while assessing student performance fairly.” She added, “One time a number of years ago, a boy saw his grade posted on the door and gave me a big hug. He said he had never made such a good grade in math.” This and other positive student reactions “make it all worthwhile.”
Ann was drawn back to UT Martin because the “job was a perfect fit for me in terms of courses, class schedules and opportunities.” And, it is her alma mater. “I loved it then, and I love it now. I literally grew up on campus. Being at home and among family in the workplace is a rare opportunity.”
In terms of the family legacy, Ann is in the fledgling stage of her career. But she maintains the same aspirations as those who have gone before her. “I hope people find me to be enthusiastic about teaching and learning and concerned about the lives and the successes of my students and co-workers.”
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