By Rebekah Byrd
Special to the Collegian

Fascinated by a color-changing solution that her colleague just brought into the office, Lee Ann Baron takes a quick break from explaining how much she loves her students.

After 14 years of teaching science at Hillsdale College, Baron remains extremely excited and passionate about her classes, as well as her students.

“Dr. Baron is full of enthusiasm and energy. Her excitement for what she teaches is apparent and she makes the learning process so enjoyable,” senior Sarah Topolewski said.

Baron never even thought about teaching until she was in graduate school and her advisor asked her if she would be interested. She feels lucky that she was asked because she absolutely loves it.

When asked what she loves most about her job at Hillsdale she responds with no hesitation.

“It’s the people. My colleagues are wonderful and I love the students,” she said. “At Hillsdale they are civil, respectful, and fun. I love that.”
The feeling is mutual.

“She is the only reason I am still here. She is here to teach and help students pursue their dreams,” junior Zachary Osborne said.

“It’s exciting to help students figure out what they want to do long term,” said Baron.

Baron also keeps in touch with her students after they graduate. She keeps wedding pictures of former students and pictures of their children on her bulletin board.

“I love staying in touch with them,” she said.
“Some students come back and visit, that is fun.”

“I have appreciated her as a professor and advisor, but when it comes down to it, Dr. Baron has been a true friend,” Topolewski said. “Her care for students is evident and I have been so grateful for her input and understanding as I have made decisions regarding my future. She has really blessed me and I have much respect for her.”

Baron has become very involved with the college over the years and has a real passion for science.

She developed a science curriculum for Hillsdale Academy when she took her last sabbatical a few years ago and also spoke for a CCA on Junk Science in September of 2000. She believes people have a lot to learn on junk science issues such as herbs and low-fat foods.

Dr. Baron also stays busy heading up the pre-professional program at the college and also as the lamplighters’ advisor.

“I am excited about what I do,” Baron said. “On Thursdays my children know that I have lab for eight hours because I am whistling around the kitchen while making their lunch. It is a great job for me and I have grown and learned a lot from my students.”