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Q & A ...  Anthony Fairbanks

Anthony Fairbanks, Vice Chancellor of Development Affairs
Photo: Chlotilde Wigginsl

Tony Fairbanks is the vice chancellor of development affairs. He was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. Fairbanks attended Ohio State University and Cornell University earning a degree in city planning and a masters in public administration. He is a father of four, and he spends a lot of his time with his two youngest children aged 10 and 11.  Fairbanks dedicates his life to helping young people stay motivated. 

Where did you grow up?
I am originally from Cincinnati, Ohio. I grew up in Cincinnati, and I was fortunate enough to attend Walnut High School, which is probably one of the better high schools in the country.

Where did you go to college?
I went to Ohio State University and majored in city planning. From there I went to Cornell University, and I spent two years in their business school earning a masters in public administration. 

What types of clubs or organizations were you in while in college? 
Omega. I served as the president of the Iota Psi chapter. I served as president of an organization called AWARE, which is a voter registration program. I served as mentor working with young males.

What types of jobs did you have before this one?
I have done a number of things that all have a common thread. That common thread is working to advance the various opportunities that were available to young people. 
 I have worked as a legislative aid in the Twenty-Fifth district in Cincinnati, Ohio. I have worked at Virginia Union University, Hatherford College, Lincoln University and the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation. All of those assignments had to do with raising money to support programs that advance young people.

When did you accept the position of vice chancellor of development affairs?
My official start date was September 11, 2000

How would you describe your responsibilities to a student?
What we do is take all of the great things that different people on this campus do: the students, who are doing exceptional things both academic and in the community, faculty, who engage in extensive research and scholarship, departments, which are trying to move this institution forward—and we package and market those things to our public.
The publics are corporations, foundations, governmental agencies both local and state, alumni, community leaders, and friends, all in an attempt to convince them that they should invest their philanthropic dollars in NCCU. They have many choices, but we are saying that all the things that we do here at NCCU are worthy of their support.

How many hours a day do you work?
Well,yesterday I was here at 7 o'clock, and I left at 8 o'clock. That's the way it's going to be for a while. But you don't define the day by hours. The day in development work is defined by task and assignments. There are many things that have to be done in the course of a day, so you just roll up your sleeves and get it done. 

What types of problems do you have to solve?
They are not really problems, just challenges. Last night around 7 p.m. the chancellor, Gloria Haynes, Dr. Harewood, and I were meeting about a proposal to raise $1 million to support the new biology and science institute. The hour of the day didn't really matter. 
 What mattered was the mission of that institute and the fact that we had an opportunity to put together a package that would be of interest to a foundation. That's how it works.

What are some of the major goals that you want to accomplish?
One, I want to make sure that we enhance the overall image of the university, and we can do that by telling people what we do on a day-to-day basis. 
 Two, I want to significantly increase the flow of dollars that are coming into the university. 
 And three, I want to encourage more and more alumni to invest in their university. 
 Let me say this, students here at NCCU spend four years acquiring a degree. That degree has a reputation associated with it. 
 It is imperative that students take the time and responsibility to protect the reputation of that degree. So when you graduate, it is important to become active in your alumni association. 
 It is in your interest to come back to your university to see if your particular department is maintaining a quality standard. 
 It is in your interest to see what kind of students are matriculating to the university after you have gone because it is those students who your degree will be judged by.
 Take seriously your time here. Don't just go through your four years, but grow through your four years.
After you leave the office, what types of leisure activities do you enjoy?
I am a father. My leisure activities are defined by my two youngest daughters. I go to tap dance lessons, clarinet lessons, soccer practice, and Chucky Cheese, and I find that fun. I really enjoy it. I ride those rides more than they do.

What advice would you give incoming freshman?
First impressions count! Start out the best you can academically. It is far easier to do well the first year and maintain a high average than to really mess up and spend the next three years picking it up. Be serious about academics your first year. Don't be afraid to ask for help. And talk to your professors.

What is your philosophy on success in life?
Follow the Fairbanks theory of pie: P + I + E. P=  Performance, do your work, and don't make excuses. I= create an image that tells others that you are serious about your work. And E= expose yourself to as many people as you can.

Thank you for sharing your time with the Campus Echo.
Interview & transcription by Chlotilde Wiggins, Echo Staff