Barbara Collins Book Signing

Barbara Collins, pioneering biology professor in her 50th year of teaching at CLU, will discuss her life and her new memoir.

Collins’ photo-packed book, “You Lead a Mean Trail: Life Adventures and Fifty Years of Teaching,” was released in August. The book’s title came from one of Collins’ students. Struggling to keep up with his professor during a strenuous field trip, he declared, “Dr. Collins, you sure do lead a mean trail.”

Collins earned a bachelor’s degree from Bates College and a master’s degree from Smith College. At a time when few women studied science, she became the first female to earn a doctorate in geology from the University of Illinois.

After living in Germany for two years, she returned to the University of Illinois and discovered her love for botany. She went on to complete the requirements for a master’s degree and doctorate in the subject.

She found her calling as a college professor. She taught at San Fernando Valley State College, which later became California State University, Northridge, for three years before becoming one of the first faculty members at CLU in 1963. As a woman in a man’s profession, she worked full time while raising five children in the days before maternity leave.

In 1964, the chair of the biology department told her she couldn’t teach while she was pregnant. She resisted and the university’s administration changed the policy so she could continue.

The event, which is free and open to the public, is part of Homecoming and Family Weekend activities. Refreshments will be served. Books will be available for purchase. Lundring Events Center is located in the Gilbert Sports and Fitness Center on the north side of Olsen Road between Campus Drive and Mountclef Boulevard.