Get to Know Blackhawk’s Linda Fair, Academic Advisor

Editor’s note: Over the past few years, we have been featuring spotlights on new employees and outstanding students within our campus community. We are excited to announce the launch of our new series, “Get to Know Blackhawk,” which will follow a Q&A format, allowing a more simple yet conversational approach to sharing the stories of individuals connected to the college.

What is your name and where did you grow up?

Linda Fair and I grew up in Beloit.

What is your role at Blackhawk Technical College? How long have you worked here?

I’m an Academic Advisor and have been here for seven years.

What was your journey to this role? Where did you go to school? What did you study?

I graduated from Central State University in Ohio with a BSE. I have been in the field of Education for 29 years and have worked in a variety of capacities from classroom teacher to Academic Supervisor to now Academic Advisor.

Is there something that drew you to this career?

I like helping people to help themselves and this position is a combination of all my past work experiences.

What do you like most about Blackhawk?

The students, staff, and our mission.

Why should a student choose Blackhawk?

We offer something for everyone. It’s local and affordable and has a flexible learning model.

What is your life like outside of work? Family? Community involvement? Adorable pets?

I am married to Andre, my high school sweetheart, and we had two sons until Dec. 28, 2022 when my oldest passed away from a heart attack. We now have our youngest, Bonzy, and one grandson, Elijah. I am very active in my church and community and very big on family. I love planning events and getting together with friends and family.

Tell us something about yourself you think people would be surprised to know.

Most people would be surprised to know that I am a huge sports fan and I played basketball in high school.

If you had to pick one season to live in all year round, which season would you choose?

Summer, I love hot and sunny days and long daylight hours.

If you could have dinner with anybody, alive or dead, who would you choose?

My son Draylen and my maternal grandparents Callie and Paul Williams.

What's one song that must always be on your playlist?

“Up in Here” by DMX

What is your favorite movie?

“Love and Basketball”

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, which food would you pick?

Seafood and steak

If you could be any TV character, who would you choose and why?

Quinta Brunson from “Abbott Elementary” because being a past classroom teacher, we exhibit some of the same characteristics and traits.

What was your favorite cartoon as a kid?

“The Flintstones”

If you could have any superpower, which one would you pick?

X-Ray vision to see people’s thoughts.

What/who is your favorite book or author?

My favorite book is “The Coldest Winter Ever” by Sister Souljah.

What’s one thing on your bucket list?

To visit all 50 states and I’m halfway there.

What is your dream vacation destination?

Jamaica

If you could pick any foreign country to travel to, which one would you pick?

Italy

Who is your favorite artist or piece of art?

Rasheid Atlas, a local artist.

What/who is your favorite sports team or pro athlete?

NBA – Lakers; NFL – Cowboys; MLB – Yankees and I am a Fred VanVleet (Houston Rockets) fan.

What game show would you most want to participate in? Do you think you could win?

“America Says” or “Family Feud” and yes, I think I would win.