FIYou: Jody Glassman


Jody 1.jpgName: Jody Glassman

Hometown: I grew up in Longwood, but I’m originally from Marblehead, MA.

Job Title/Department: Director, Undergraduate Admissions

Campus: MMC

In a nutshell: As Director of Undergraduate Admissions for FIU, I am responsible for university-wide freshman and transfer recruitment and admission initiatives.

The Office of Undergraduate Admission collaborates with schools and colleges across all campuses to ensure that we plan and execute strategic activities, communication and initiatives to educate students ready for the challenges of a rigorous college education about the benefits of an FIU education and experience.

The 24 full-time and 16 part-time staff respond to student inquiries, manage academic scholarships, give tours of campus, plan and execute recruitment events, develop communication strategy and visit with thousands of prospective students, parents and influencers.

Number of years at FIU: Years? I’ve been here five months!

What do you enjoy most about your job?: Walt Disney said “you can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality.” I truly enjoy the people here at FIU. I have an amazing staff and the administration believes that it takes all of us to be successful. Plus, I get to work with people who share my passion in connecting students to a college education.

What do you think students and your fellow faculty/staff should know about your department?: Admissions is a transient profession, yet most of the staff in the FIU Office of Undergraduate Admissions has been here more than three years. The longevity in the office says something about the staff commitment to FIU and the students we serve.

Where is your favorite spot on campus? Why?: Sky Lounge. This is a high pressure and stressful job, the Sky Lounge is the perfect place for me to take a moment to breathe and find my true north.

What is one thing you wish everyone knew about FIU?: That FIU is the place to be. I think too often people judge a college or university based on what they hear and see on television or in rankings. FIU is engaged in research that will change and improve the world. Top notch faculty and students doing amazing things cannot be captured in ranking; rather it’s experienced while you’re here on campus.

How is FIU “Worlds Ahead”?: I recently met with the School of Journalism and Mass Communications, they aren’t just teaching the “same old thing” in journalism and mass communication but they are embracing the changes in the profession and creating a curriculum that will not only educate students but will help making them employable. FIU isn’t waiting around to be relevant, faculty are engaged with students and students are benefiting from their innovation. It’s evident in our increased graduation rates and post-graduation employment rates. FIU students are not just college graduates, the faculty and staff here make them well-rounded, employable college graduates.

Family snapshot: I am the “cool” aunt of a nephew (5) and two nieces (10 and 12).

Word that best describes you: Committed.

First paying job: Character performer at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.

Favorite TV show: Blacklist and Law & Order SVU… and my staff will tell you that my favorite show is Dance Mom’s.

What is playing on your iPod?: Like most people, my taste in music is all over the map but I’m currently listening to U2, Coldplay, MC Yogi, Jimmy Buffet and The Script.

Your proudest accomplishment: Being offered the job of Director of Undergraduate Admissions at FIU. I’m so grateful to Dr. Luisa Havens and the rest of FIU to trusting me to help keep FIU Worlds Ahead!

What do you do when you are not working at FIU?: I serve on the board of directors of a non-profit foundation, the Area 3 Foundation, which provides financial assistance to current and former Walt Disney World Resort entertainers. I practice yoga and meditation and, when all else fails, I shop.