FIYou: Clara Barman ’03, MPA ’07

Name: Clara Barman ’03, MPA ’07

Hometown: North Miami Beach, Fla.

Job Title/Department: I’m the director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and the College of Business Administration at BBC.

Campus: Biscayne Bay Campus

In a nutshell: As director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and CBA at BBC, I oversee the daily operations of both departments, including programmatic planning and course scheduling, registration, faculty requests, staff recruitment and training, as well as overall customer service, ensuring that both departments run smoothly and effectively.

Number of years at FIU: 14

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I really enjoy working with the students and faculty. It is very rewarding to be able to end the day knowing that I can help put a smile on their faces. I feel very honored to be a part of the institution that has helped shape me into the person I am today.

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

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and the College of Business are very student-oriented entities. Their focus is very much in line with President Rosenberg’s mission that “students come first.” And in these departments that is the case. At the end of the day, no student leaves without having their needs met.

Where is your favorite spot on campus? Why?

I love being in my office overlooking the Kovens Conference Center and being part of the AC II building where students congregate and constantly walk throughout the day.

If there is one thing you wish everyone knew about FIU, what would it be?

FIU is a very special institution in part because of its diversity. It allows students from every ethnicity and various cultures an opportunity to share their interesting backgrounds in the classrooms. The faculty are also diverse. The combination of the two makes it a very special place to be. We learn a lot from each other. What we learn helps to contribute to our society and in our everyday business practices and personal experiences.

Family snapshot:

My husband, David, is a practicing patent attorney, a graduate of the very first FIU College of Law night class and an adjunct FIU professor. My two sons, Binyomin and Eliezer, are 15 and 16 years of age and attend the Hebrew Academy.

Word that best describes you: Energetic.

First paying job: Telemarketer (National School of Technology in 1989).

Favorite TV show: Charlie’s Angels.

What is playing on your iPod?

Bee Gees and Donna Summer.

Your proudest accomplishment:

My two FIU degrees.

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

I love to sing, read, surf the Internet and read.