FIYou: Valerie Morgan

Name: Valerie Morgan

Hometown: Hampden, MA

Job Title/Department: Assistant Dean, Undergraduate Education

Campus: Biscayne Bay Campus

In a nutshell: I oversee the BBC Undergraduate Education office; First Year Common Reading Program; Chair of the Freshman Convocation Planning Committee; National Student Exchange Program.

Number of years at FIU: 22

What do you enjoy most about your job? The people I work with!

What do you think students and your fellow faculty/staff should know about your department? More students should take advantage of the National Student Exchange Program! It is an amazing opportunity for students to attend one of over 200 colleges and universities in the U.S. and Canada, while paying FIU tuition or the host school’s in-state tuition.

Where is your favorite spot on campus? On the bay – sometimes you can see dolphins swimming and jumping in the water.

What is one thing you wish everyone knew about FIU? This is a great place to work.

How is FIU “Worlds Ahead”? Through the Graduation Success Initiative (GSI) — an extensive, university-wide set of innovations dedicated to student retention and on-time graduation.

Family snapshot: I have a six year old daughter, Samantha.

Word that best describes you: Loyal.

First paying job: As a freshman in high school, I worked at a country club, checking in/out coats at parties.

Favorite TV show: That 70’s Show.

What is playing on your iPod? Jason Mraz.

Your proudest accomplishment: Completing my dissertation in 2005!

What do you do when you are not working at FIU? Spend time with my daughter, and play soccer in a women’s recreational league.