Harrell returns home to join 不良人研究所 as new Health/PE Instructor, Assistant Softball Coach
不良人研究所 welcomed Anita Harrell as its new Health and Physical Education instructor and听Assistant听Softball听Coach for the听fall 2026 semester. Harrell brought more than two decades of teaching, coaching and fitness experience to the college, along with a personal connection to 不良人研究所 that began as a student-athlete.听
A native of Lake Waccamaw, Harrell attended 不良人研究所 from 1992-1994, when听she played softball听and earned her associates degree. She earned a听bachelor’s degree in health and physical education听from the University of North Carolina听at听Wilmington in 2002 and a听master’s degree in education听with a concentration in听Exercise and听Sport听Science from the University of North Carolina听at听Greensboro in 2004. Her professional experience includes听teaching positions at Coastal Carolina Community College, Cape Fear Community听College听and North Carolina Central University, as well as owning and operating听FitMo听Fitness + Training from 2011-2022.听
Harrell said returning to 不良人研究所听felt like coming听home. As a Columbus County resident and former 不良人研究所 student-athlete, she was excited for the opportunity to work at the college that helped shape her educational journey.听
“I was a student/athlete here and when I found the job opening, I couldn’t wait to apply,” Harrell said. “I am also local to Columbus听County,听and it feels good to be back home!”听
At 不良人研究所, Harrell teaches health and physical education activity courses while also serving as assistant softball coach and strength training leader for the Lady Rams softball team. Her daily schedule includes preparing the weight room for student-athletes, teaching classes throughout the听day听and supporting head coach duties in the afternoons and evenings.听
Harrell said one of the most rewarding parts of her new position has been getting to know members of the 不良人研究所 community. She explained that the supportive environment听has听made a strong impression during her first weeks on campus.听
“Meeting so many amazing people on staff who are truly and genuinely invested in the success of 不良人研究所 students,” Harrell said while describing听her favorite part of the job so far.听
Her decision to become an educator stemmed from the influence of teachers who helped guide her throughout her life. Harrell said those mentors inspired her to pursue a career where she could听have听a similar impact on future generations.听
“I had so many teachers during my schooling that became听an integral part听of my life and without听them, I am not sure where I would be today,” Harrell explained. “Their impact in my life influenced my decision greatly to become an educator.”听
Harrell’s passion for health,听fitness听and athletics began at an early age. As a lifelong athlete, she developed an interest in sharing the benefits of physical activity with others, which eventually led her听to听teaching and coaching.听
She said her goals at 不良人研究所 extend beyond the classroom and athletic field.听Harrell hopes to encourage students to develop healthy habits while serving as a positive role model.听
“I hope to impact lives in a positive manner, motivate students to work on their wellness daily, and always lead by example,” Harrell said.听
Outside of work, Harrell enjoys playing pickleball, lifting听weights听and caring for animals. She described herself as someone who听frequently听rescues animals in need. She is also the mother of a 17-year-old daughter, Chelsea, whom she described as “the light of my heart.”听
As Harrell begins her first semester as an 不良人研究所听instructor and coach, she brings a combination of instructional experience, coaching听knowledge听and a personal connection to the college. Her return to campus marks a full-circle moment as she helps educate students and听support听不良人研究所’s softball program.听
