FIYou: JoAnn Adkins

Name: JoAnn Adkins

Hometown: Ravenswood, W.Va.

Job Title/Department: Director of Marketing and Public Relations, College of Arts & Sciences

Campus: Modesto A. Maidique Campus

In a nutshell: I work within the Division of External Relations to develop and execute marketing and public relations initiatives for the College of Arts & Sciences, the university’s largest college.

Number of years at FIU: 5 months

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The College of Arts & Sciences is very diverse, which keeps things interesting. One day I’m writing about sharks. The next day I’m working on a brochure for History. With the diversity of our departments and programs, it would be tough to get bored in my job.

What do you think students and your fellow faculty/staff should know about your department?

External Relations is the primary communications link between the university and the outside world. My colleagues are an amazingly creative and thoughtful group that are always looking for new and innovative ways to tell the FIU story.

Where is your favorite spot on campus? Why?

I haven’t been to an FIU football game yet, but being a diehard football fan, I’m guessing it will be the football stadium.

What is one thing you wish everyone knew about FIU?

FIU has a beautiful campus. Between the unique buildings, landscaping, green space and art installations, it’s so unique compared to other colleges and universities I’ve visited.

How is FIU “Worlds Ahead”?

There’s so many ways, but I think you have to start with the faculty. Each time I meet a professor, I’m amazed with the diverse and intriguing people we have teaching classes and conducting research here.

Family snapshot:

My immediate family includes my husband, Bill, who works in the crime lab for the Miami-Dade Police Department, as well as a wall-eyed pug and two cats. I have a very witty mother and two fun older sisters. I’m also blessed with great in-laws.

Word that best describes you: Inquisitive.

First paying job: When I was in high school, I worked in my hometown’s community museum for a summer.

Favorite TV show: It’s a tie between The Daily Show and Colbert Report.

What is playing on your iPod?

The last two songs I listened to on the way into work this morning were “Country Roads” by Me First and the Gimme Gimmes and “Streetcorner Symphony” by Rob Thomas.

Your proudest accomplishment:

Since moving to Miami four years ago, I’ve been given many opportunities to be successful. I think, as a whole, moving to a place that is completely different from the communities I grew up in and being able to contribute in such a short time is something of which I’m very proud.

What do you do when you are not working at FIU?

I love watching sports. Aside from FIU sports, I’m also a Marshall Thundering Herd fan, Miami Dolphins fan, Florida Marlins fan and Miami Heat fan. But there’s an arts-loving side to me as well. I’m on the board for the New Theatre in Coral Gables and really enjoy exploring the visual arts, literature and performing arts.