Remembering Dr. Anne Haberkern

By Sarah E. Spencer & Joël Gallegos 

We write with very heavy hearts to share that our long‑time colleague, Dr. Anne Haberkern, passed away on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, from complications of colon cancer. 

Originally from the Bay Area, Anne was California born and raised. She earned her B.A. in Anthropology and French at the University of California, San Diego, and spent a life‑changing junior year abroad in Bordeaux, France. She later traveled east to pursue an M.A. in History at Harvard (though for those who knew her, she preferred to say she had simply “studied in Boston").  
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Anne began her professional journey in international education in 1994 at Central College’s International Programs Office, where many of us first met her as one of the “courageous road warriors” of the mid‑1990s. ​

​In 1996, Anne joined North Carolina State University as assistant director for study abroad. During her years in North Carolina, she contributed greatly to NC State’s international mission and quickly became woven into the fabric of international education across the UNC System. She traveled the world with colleagues, built lifelong friendships, and left an enduring mark on the state’s global engagement community. 

The West Coast eventually called again, and she joined the University of California Education Abroad Program (EAP) as a Regional Director. During her time with UC, Anne completed her Ed.D. in Educational Administration and Leadership and met her husband, Christopher Skinner, in Santa Barbara. 

Anne ultimately made her home in Portland, Oregon, where she served as executive director of AHA International, and, for the past 14 years, as dean of teaching, learning, and curriculum innovation at Portland Community College (PCC). 

Anne contributed to The Forum on Education Abroad in numerous ways, including service on the Forum Council, contributions to the 6th edition of the Standards, and participation in working groups focused on Advocacy and Sexual Misconduct and Title IX. 

Her passion for expanding global education in community colleges shaped her leadership and inspired colleagues across the country. As Jennifer Ernst, VP of Academic Affairs at PCC, wrote, “What was remarkable about Anne was not only her vast wisdom and knowledge as she guided us through complex systems, but how generous she was in sharing that wisdom with all of us. Her wit and good humor lightened the work.” 

For those who knew and worked with Anne, she was the consummate liberal arts scholar and an epicurean at heart. She shared her love of literature, classical music, languages, cultures, gardening, food, and wine with all who crossed her path. Her humor, warmth, and good nature drew people to her, and she enriched every community she joined. 

We surround her husband, Chris and son, Cam, with our deepest support and love. Anne loved life, and she warmed the hearts of all around her. Her absence will be felt profoundly. 
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Sarah E. Spencer & Joël Gallegos ​