New Horizons: A Four Decade Legacy is the third memoir Paul E. Huntsberger has published to complete the chronicle of his life journey from 1941 to 2010. While retired he wrote in 2014 Never Forgotten: Teaching in Rebellious Eritrea 1965-1967 & Returning After 35 Years, a memorable Peace Corps Service that changed his life forever. Then in 2022 he recounted in Unconventional: An Early Life of Struggle, Adventure & Love 1941-1971, the period of his life when Paul followed life on paths less taken by his peers which culminated in a life engaged in service to others.
In 1970 he met Jennifer Stretch from England in Connecticut and when they married in 1971 Paul changed his international development career aspiration to become a university student services professional that culminated in a four decade legacy career in three universities – Ohio, Michigan State, and New Mexico State 1971-2010.
He earned a master’s degree from Ohio and a doctorate from Michigan State. His partner in life, Jennifer, completed her bachelor’s and master’s in Ohio. She became a researcher at Ohio and Michigan State and in New Mexico she had a 20 year distinguished career in teaching secondary students Biology and Science teachers on how to improve their teaching. They started a family in 1975 in Ohio and welcomed a second child in 1982 in New Mexico.
While at Ohio University Paul served two years as a Resident Director and three years as a Green Coordinator. He received high praise for his Residence Life work. At Michigan State Paul worked successfully four years in the Office of International Student Services and developed expertise in international students administration. He also became a leader in his doctoral department and wrote a valuable dissertation on services provided older adult undergraduates at MSU. When in 1981 he accepted the position of Coordinator of International Student Services and International Education at NMSU he knew he had the experience and training to meet the multiple challenges of the position. He became a nationally recognized leader in international training programs (1981-1997) and in international education programs (1997-2010). He received recognition for leadership, excellence, innovation, community service, student mentoring, and family support. He survived major illnesses. He engaged in professional travel to Europe, Canada, Mexico, Africa, Asia, and Central and Latin America. He traveled with family in the U.S., Canada, UK, Germany, Spain, and France. Importantly he touched the lives of numerous students, staff, faculty, friends, and community members in Las Cruces, and Juárez and Lerdo, Mexico. Students and office staff affectionately called Paul Dr. H, and they told him that he left a lasting legacy in his interactions and accomplishments.
Paul E. Huntsberger retired in 2010. He continues to travel with Jennifer, writes memoirs, gardens, and keeps in touch with those who valued his assistance and advice. Paul is not a national celebrity, but to those whose lives he touched, they celebrate having known him in their lives.
