Steve Fruehauf: What first led you to Eau Claire?

Jacqueline Bailey-Hartsel: I grew up here. My dad taught here, in fact my family moved to Eau Claire from Madison specifically so he could teach here. My mom was pregnant with me at the time, so I literally learned how to walk on this campus. I used to come with my dad during summer class and sit in his office. He ran the radio station. I never thought about going anywhere else.

SF: What’s your favorite part about UW-Eau Claire?

JBH: Students, students, students. One of the nice things about being (Instructional Academic Staff) is you’re contracted to teach your classes and be with your students. Oh my gosh, I wouldn’t do anything else. So it’s a joy to be able to really get into working with students. It’s been an amazing experience.

SF: What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened in one of your classes?

JBH: My projector was taken over. There was a word that appeared on the projector and I sincerely wanted whoever did it to tell me how they did it because I thought it was so cool, but nobody would come forward. It was this really amazing moment. It scared some people. I think that was probably the weirdest moment but I still don’t know who did it. I have my suspicions though.

SF: What do you like about teaching in the English department?

JBH: I’ve always been into books. I’ve always had my nose in a book, and I’ve been a writer for so long. I’ve learned how to be a better writer through teaching comp. They always say if you really want to learn something, teach it. That’s really been a beneficial teaching experience for me.

SF: Favorite place to be in Eau Claire?

JBH: My favorite place to be in Eau Claire, this sounds like I’m sucking up, is McIntyre Library. I love libraries. I have this thing where every time I walk into a library or a really good book store, I always think that in this place is the meaning of life if you just know where to find it. I always have a feeling of excitement because of all the information that so many people have collected over centuries.