Professor Spotlight: Renee Faubion – Inspiring, Compassionate, and Committed to Teaching
January 14, 2025 - Anna Abeyta
Professor Dr. Renée Faubion is a remarkable figure in the Honors College, known for her unwavering commitment to her students and her passion for interdisciplinary teaching. Over the course of her career, she has earned the admiration and respect of her students, as well as a reputation for creating an inclusive, supportive learning environment.
Two students, Grey Snook and Ryder Hobbs, who nominated Professor Faubion for this spotlight, highlighted her exceptional qualities in the classroom. Grey described her as "openness, compassionate, and hardworking," emphasizing that she truly cares about her students' learning and personal growth. "Renee is truly amazing," Grey added, "I would be a different person had I not met her." Ryder similarly spoke to the welcoming atmosphere she creates in her classes, noting that she fosters a "wonderfully safe and encouraging atmosphere" and is always clear in her communications. "She is very welcoming and committed to teaching," Ryder affirmed.
Professor Faubion’s journey to teaching in the Honors College is as inspiring as her approach in the classroom. She began her academic career with a dual major in Russian and French, driven by the goal of joining the Foreign Service. However, after studying at Trinity University in San Antonio—a liberal arts institution that mirrors the Honors College’s approach—she realized her true passion lay in education. Although she completed her MA in Russian, Professor Faubion chose not to pursue a Ph.D. in that field, recognizing that the job market was pushing Russian scholars toward business or government roles. Instead, she shifted her focus to British and American literature, earning both her MA and Ph.D. from the University of New Mexico.
In 2000, Professor Faubion was hired to teach in the UNM Honors Program, a position she has cherished ever since. She explains, “It is difficult to narrow what I like about working in the Honors College, but students are easily the top attraction. We see far more engaged, rigorous, and creative students than other programs, and it’s incredibly rewarding to witness their development over the course of the semester.”
Professor Faubion also values the interdisciplinary nature of the Honors College, which allows her to explore ideas across a range of disciplines. "We can pursue an idea across literature, history, art, philosophy, science, etc.," she says. "It makes the exploration of a topic much more interesting and productive, as we examine it from various perspectives."
Another highlight of Professor Faubion's career has been her work with the senior teaching program. Collaborating closely with students to build and teach courses has not only been rewarding for her but has also allowed her to witness the growth of students as they evolve into adult peers. "It's exciting to see students come into their own," she shares, "and I learn a great deal from them in the process."
Whether it’s through her compassionate teaching style, her dedication to fostering student growth, or her ability to create a supportive and challenging academic environment, Professor Faubion has made a lasting impact on the students who have had the privilege of learning from her. Her legacy in the Honors College is defined not just by her academic expertise, but by the care and inspiration she offers to every student who crosses her path.
