A dozen years at Fresno Pacific University round out a 38-year education career for Anita Andresen, who retires this spring.
Joining the faculty in 1989, Andresen served as dean of the school of professional studies for seven and one-half years and faculty in the administrative services program for four and one-half years. She was the first woman to serve as an academic dean at the university.
Faculty, staff and administrators have been invaluable, and students enriching. "I have been surrounded by supportive, caring and competent people, and I want to say thank you to all of them," she said.
While Andresen was dean of professional studies, the school moved forward technologically, expanded local outreach and gained national exposure. In administrative services, she helped establish a non-credit program, develop and supervise the tier 2 program and write a handbook for the internship program. She also supervised interns and field projects.
In honor of these and other contributions, Andresen was named a faculty emerita by the university board of trustees in June. In 1996 she received the FPU President's Distinguished Service Award.
Professional activities include stints as past president of Region IX of the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), past president of Phi Delta Kappa, ACSA student charter adviser. She also worked with many area schools on projects and courses and served on numerous school and community advisory committees.
Before coming to the university, Andresen served as educational coordinator for National University in Fresno and adjunct faculty for the University of San Francisco. She was also director of educational services, coordinator of curriculum and public information officer at Central Unified School District and a superintendent and principal in Houghton-Kearney Union Elementary School District.
She earned a bachelor's degree in education from California State University, Fresno, a master's in educational administration from Fresno Pacific College and an Ed. D in organization and leadership from the University of San Francisco.