Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, January 26, 1992 TAG: 9201270186
SECTION: NEW RIVER VALLEY ECONOMY PAGE: 27 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: Judy Schwab
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Short
FLIES SUPPLEMENT FACULTY SALARY
After 25 years in the same profession, Harrison Steeves, associate professor of biology at Virginia Tech, still loves teaching."It's my life - it would be hard to do anything else after doing that," he said.
Steeves teaches histology - the study of human tissue - and general biology to hundreds of students every year. He's satisfied with his salary, and the university offers a great deal of security - health insurance "and a retirement program that isn't going to go belly-up like some of the corporate programs," Steeves said.
Biology department faculty salaries start at $31,000.
There are a lot of intangible benefits at the university, Steeves pointed out.
"Where else can you belong to a private club for $35 dollars a year?" he asked. Faculty and staff can use the gym and have a locker and towel service for that amount.
The surrounding area suits Steeves because he is an avid hunter and fly fisherman.
With salaries frozen by the state, Steeves said he has increased his income by consulting to the fly-fishing industry.
He's been fishing for 40 of his 54 years and has become recognized in the field for fly design. He considers it foolish to not do something extra to offset the pay freeze.
Making home and car repairs instead of hiring someone, putting off expenditures - like new cars - are other ways he and his family cope with his fixed salary.