FIYou profile: Diann Newman


Name: Diann Newman

Hometown: Beachwood, Ohio

Job Title/Department: Academic Advisor, School of Hospitality and Tourism Management

Campus: Biscayne Bay Campus

In a nutshell: I cut red tape for our undergraduate and graduate students and explain our requirements, policies and procedures. Since I represent the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, I get to eat a lot of good meals and smile often.

Number of years at FIU: I worked at FIU from 1976 to 1983 then returned in 1995 to the School of Hospitality Management. I have worked at FIU about 20 years, not counting several years when I was teaching part-time.

What do you enjoy most about your job? I love that I get a lot of appreciation from our students. I love the diversity of our student body and our beautiful Biscayne Bay Campus. I love our friendly, informal work environment and the people that I work with. I love our Diversity Day program. And I love being able to teach a class in team-building each term, which is always an amazing experience.

What do you think the FIU community should know about your department? People already know about our highly regarded program, our Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival, our great hospitality luncheons, our program in China. I don’t think they know that we started a 4 plus 1 program, so qualified hospitality majors can earn a master’s degree in just one additional year after receiving their bachelor’s degree.

Where is your favorite spot on campus? Why? My favorite spot is sitting on a bench overlooking the bay. It’s peaceful and beautiful and a one-minute walk from my office – just don’t ask me the last time I took the time to go there.

If there is one thing you wish everyone knew about FIU, what would it be? There is not one thing. There are millions of wonderful things about FIU.

Family snapshot: Arthur Ackerman and I have been together since 1998, enjoying our life on Key Biscayne. I have two adored children: Jeffrey, 26, and Nicole, 24.

Word that best describes you: Happy.

First paying job: Hotel lifeguard (no one swam in the pool, though).

Favorite TV show: “Grey’s Anatomy.” But I haven’t watched it this season.

Your proudest accomplishment: That I have created a life that works for me.

What do you do when you are not working at FIU? I walk the beach, bike ride, travel. I engage in professional speaking. And I stay connected with family and friends.