FIYou: Moses Shumow

Hometown: Gila, New Mexico

Job Title/Department: Assistant Professor, Department of Journalism and Broadcasting, School of Journalism and Mass Communication

Campus: BBC

In a nutshell: I teach classes in digital media, multimedia production, and media literacy.  My research focuses on the production and consumption of immigrant media, particularly Spanish-language outlets, in global geographies and I work on engagement projects that seek to overcome the digital divide.

Number of years at FIU: 4

What do you enjoy most about your job?: I love my interaction with FIU students. I find them to be smart, dedicated, hardworking, and passionate about their education. They appreciate the opportunity they are being given by attending a university and earning a degree. It’s gratifying to work in a place where the value of a higher education is not taken for granted.

What do you think students and your fellow faculty/staff should know about your department?: We are working hard to keep up with a rapidly changing professional environment (the media and mass communication industries).  We want our students to graduate with an education and skill set that makes them attractive in a very competitive field, and are constantly updating our curriculum.  In the years since I have been here (I joined in 2010) we have launched a new major – Digital Media Studies – and are currently rolling out a fully online master’s degree in Global Strategic Communication.

Where is your favorite spot on campus? Why?: The nature trail down by the bay on BBC. It’s a beautiful spot, with an amazing view of the water.

What is one thing you wish everyone knew about FIU?: I am constantly impressed by FIU’s efforts at engagement.  We serve South Florida, it’s where our students come from, and I like the dedication I see across the University to being a valuable institution for our local communities and the people who live in them.

How is FIU “Worlds Ahead”?: I am a member of the Global Learning Curriculum Oversight Committee, have taught and developed Global Learning classes, and was the recipient of a Global Learning Faculty Fellowship.  I think the Office of Global Learning’s efforts at creating students with global awareness, perspective, and a willingness to engage in challenging problems is an important and valuable effort, especially given the location of our university and the demographics of our students.

Family snapshot: Married, two kids – a five-year-old girl and a three-year-old boy.  Most of my extended family still lives in New Mexico, where I grew up, and the rest in California.

Word that best describes you: Inquisitive.

First paying job: Cutting lawns.

Favorite TV show: Breaking Bad.

What is playing on your iPod?: Sylvan Esso, Calle Trece, Vampire Weekend, Bob Marley, Modest Mouse, Sidestepper, Manu Chao, Desmond Dekker, Black Keys, Miike Snow, LCS Soundsystem.

Your proudest accomplishment: I just won the FIU Faculty Award for Excellence in Engagement, which I consider to be a great honor.

What do you do when you are not working at FIU?: Mostly play with my kids and spend time with my family. Exercising is a must. Some home brewing. Reading. Watching movies. Being with friends from the neighborhood.