It is not everyday that you meet a professor who is not only devoted to their work, but also devoted to enhancing the lives of the students they teach. Dr. Anne Bradford Warner is one of the most well respected English professors at Spelman College. Unfortunately, this year she will be retiring from teaching at Spelman. Over the decades Dr. Warner has been teaching and preparing African-American women for brighter futures in the English profession. Teaching is not only a passion for Dr. Warner, but her admirable works have shown that it has been her mission.
Full Name: Anne Bradford Warner
Job Title: Associate professor of English and the Director of the Comprehensive Writing Program
Length of Employment at Spelman College: 33 years, Started in 1981
Born: Oakland, California
Raised: Houston, Texas
Favorite Quote: “It is never too late to be what you might have been.” – George Eliot
Where did you attend college and what degrees have you obtained?
I attended Hollins University, a woman’s college in Roanoke, Virginia, for a B.A. in English and an M. A. in English.
What inspired you to become an English professor at Spelman College?
I believe in the effectiveness of women’s liberal arts colleges to prepare young women for the future—professionally and personally.
What genres in the English Major have you been most interested in teaching?
I work with a broad variety of genres: autobiography, slave narrative, novels, poetry, travel narrative, epic poetry…. Each has its special beauties. English majors tend to be most comfortable with novels.
What has been most rewarding as a Professor at Spelman?
Having wonderful colleagues—dedicated to teaching—has been the greatest pleasure. I have invested much time and effort to prepare young African American women for their promising futures; it has all been worthwhile.
Have you published any scholarly works? If so which is your favorite (s)?
I’ve published a number of articles, especially on Harriet Jacobs. My favorite is “Harriet Jacobs at Home in Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl.” The Southern Quarterly. 45.3 (Spring 2008): 30-47
What are your next endeavors after leaving Spelman College?
I’m hoping to volunteer—and perhaps work on some fundraising proposals—for a high school writing center in Atlanta.
What piece of advice would you like to offer to current and future English majors?
Take advantage of the teaching and advising you receive here, and don’t forget Spelman later on.