Dr. Harbour Winn, an OCU professor and a teacher of humanities, is retiring in August.
Winn is the director of the Center for Interpersonal Studies through Film and Literature, director of the OCU Film Institute, director of the Spring Documentary Film series, director of the “Let’s Talk About It” Oklahoma book discussion series, co-chairman of OCU’s Distinguished Speaker series, member of the OCUReads book selection committee and a professor teaching courses in English and film.
Winn started teaching full time from January 1975 to June 1979. After that, he interned at Westminster School and eventually got a teaching job. He returned full time to OCU in 1996 and has been here since.
“I have had the good fortune of doing exactly what I wanted to do. It’s been a dream job,” Winn said.
Winn founded the Film Institute in 1982 and founded the Center for Interpersonal Studies through Film and Literature in 1997, according to the DaVinci Institute.
Winn received his Ph.D from the University of Oregon and worked as an assistant professor of English at OCU for five years, after which he studied early childhood education at OCU. He worked at Westminster School for 17 years teaching Montessori education, an approach allowing children freedom and independence in the classroom.
As a professor of film and literature, Winn said he has found the university to be supportive in allowing for artistic freedom.
“They have never told me, ‘you can’t show this film’ or ‘you can’t read that book,’ which is also a big responsibility in considering value and aesthetics,” Winn said. “It has been such a gift to not be reined in and to be a part of a community that allowed for openness.”
One student said Winn has pushed him in his education.
“He is an amazing teacher,” said Alexander Knight, film studies senior. “I think he really pushes students to think about films outside of their comfort zones.”
Winn’s influence at OCU reaches out into the community.
The Center for Interpersonal Studies through Film and Literature has brought a poet to campus for the past 18 years picked by an advisory committee.
Winn leads and participates in book and film discussions for students and the general community.
“Public humanities are so important in bringing liberal arts education to the general public in Oklahoma City,” Winn said.
In 2013, Winn received the Public Humanities Award for providing outstanding programs throughout the state of Oklahoma.
“Harbour is a passionate advocate of the humanities,” said former provost Susan Barber in a 2013 video about Winn’s award.
“Dr. Winn is a natural for this award, because he’s always trying to reach the public with the humanities.”
Winn helped develop the collection of international, independent and classic films available through the Center for Interpersonal Studies through Film and Literature, according to the OCU website.
Following this semester, Winn plans to stay as adjunct faculty and teach overseas courses in Singapore. He also will continue as director of the film institute for at least another year.
The new Director of the Center for Interpersonal Studies through Film and Literature will be Tracy Floreani, English professor and department chairwoman, according to an email from Amy Cataldi, interim dean of Petree College of Arts and Sciences.
Winn’s position as professor in Petree will not be replaced.
“It’s wonderful to live different lives, it allows for renewal and transformation. All of the opportunities I have had here have been enriching for me personally,” Winn said.
Contributing: Multimedia Editor Miguel Rios.
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