Greg Donnell / Roundup
After 45 years of dedicated service at Pierce College, Philip Stein, professor of anthropology and department chair of anthropological and geographical sciences, will be retiring.
Stein began his first teaching job out of college working at Pierce part time from 1964 to ‘65. He was also busy working part time at California State University, Northridge from 1966 to 1975. He joined the regular Pierce staff during the fall of 1965 and thus began his 45-year tenure.
Stepping away from teaching is not the end of the world for Stein because it will afford him the opportunity to pursue other things.
“I am doing too many things,” Stein said. “By retiring I can give up my administrative duties as department chair and spend time reading, studying and writing, and still do some teaching.”
Stein’s leadership abilities will be missed around the anthropological and geographical sciences office. Fellow anthropology professor Bruce Rowe pointed out Stein has been an active and valued chair throughout his career.
“He has been an enormous asset to the department,” Rowe said. “He has been chairman for much of that time, and is one of the most efficient and organized people I have ever known. He has very good people skills and has smoothly run the department as chairman.”
Along with being a valued member of the anthropology department, Stein is a published author who has contributed to the creation of around 30 books with Rowe.
“I have been working with Phil professionally since 1971,” said Rowe, who has been on the Pierce staff since 1970. “We are currently working on the 10th edition of ‘Physical Anthropology.'”
“He is very knowledgeable,” he continued.
But this knowledge reaches beyond his teaching field.
“This fall I will be working on the 3rd edition of “Anthropology of Religion, Magic and Witchcraft” with my daughter, Rebecca Stein, who teaches anthropology at Valley College,” Stein said.
Stein’s retirement will afford him the ability to do some of the things he most enjoys, and he plans to take advantage of his free time.
“I will read, study, write, travel and teach,” Stein said. “I also plan to build a model train layout with my grandson, and I am planning a trip to Alaska with my wife in September.”
After stepping down, Professor Stein’s chair position will be filled by newly-elected Diane Levine.
Phillip Stein is looking forward to pursuing other interests after he retires. (Courtney Coles / Roundup)
