Marsha Fanning

• Ph.D., Zoology, University of Georgia
• B.A., Biology, Columbia College

Marsha Fanning is a Glenn R. Frye Professor of Biology, coordinator of the biology program and chair of the School of Natural Sciences. She joined the faculty in 1973.

Fanning especially enjoys teaching ecology and working with the students completing their senior research projects. She was a faculty advisor for several student organizations and worked with numerous campus committees.

Fanning received the Roediger Distinguished Service Professor Award, designated annually by the president to recognize distinguished service to the university, profession and community, and the Raymond Morris Bost Distinguished Professor Award, given annually to honor an LR faculty member for outstanding teaching and mentorship.

Fanning is also a member of the LR Servus Universitas Society. She was inaugurated in 2016 as a notable way of honoring employees who have dedicated the better part of their lives to serve the mission of LR and make it a better place for those who come after them. To be a member of this society, a Lenoir-Rhyne employee must reach at least 25 years of continuous, full-time service. Of literally thousands of individuals who have been employed by the university, fewer than 150 have reached this milestone. She is an active member of the Association of Biology Laboratory Education and values the importance of hands-on experience in science.

She led many field outings for students at the lake, mountains and ocean. One of her favorite student trips was to the Galapagos Islands. Aside from teaching, Fanning enjoys photography, hiking and travel.