Maribel Amwake is the new Director of Student Engagement at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. She brings a wealth of academic experience to the position, and her role will be to provide leadership and support to student organizations on campus. She plans to be involved with the mentorship program as well as assist with scholarships and awards at the college.
“I am thrilled to be here and hope to encourage more fun, engagement and wellness to our campus,” Amwake said. “I will be working with the student organizations to ensure that they are getting their needs taken care of and I hope to create a culture where students are having fun while learning.”
Amwake earned her Bachelor of Arts in Theater at Florida State University and will use that experience to bring creative energy to the new position.
“My theater degree taught me how to interact with a variety of dynamic individuals, which I think will be very useful in this position,” Amwake said. “I also have over 12 years of experience in academics and hope I can be a good resource for students needing help.”
Amwake learned a lot about mental health wellness at her previous job at the FSU College of Medicine and wants to incorporate activities and events that benefit student’s well-being. She shared some thoughts about her new role at the college.
What brings you to the college of engineering?
I worked for the college about five years ago and left for an opportunity to grow a new undergraduate degree program in the College of Medicine. I never lost touch with my friends at Engineering. When I heard about this position, I knew it was the perfect fit for me.
In my previous job, I assisted students in finding a path where they could shine. In this new position, I want to find ways to make school fun for the students; to show them they can be happy while learning.
Tell us about your new role as the new Director of Student Engagement?
I will be in the office of Student Services and Undergraduate Affairs, primarily working with the college’s student organizations. I will help them become active, stay active and gain new members. I will work with them to get engineering students more engaged in academics, college and the community. I’ll also oversee the Undergraduate Peer Mentoring program and help with scholarship opportunities.
What do you hope to accomplish?
I hope to encourage more fun, engagement and wellness on our campus. My goal is to work with the student organizations to ensure their needs are taken care of and to create a lively campus atmosphere that is not just about hard work. I hope to create a culture where students are having fun while learning. I want to promote issues like health and wellness in all aspects of student life.
What is the best thing about your job?
The best part of this job is working with the students to make campus feel like their home away from home. I’m excited about brainstorming ideas with students and I am looking forward to seeing how their productivity grows. I hope some of their stress will be relieved as well.
Fun facts?
I love spending time with my husband, David Amwake and our two daughters. We enjoy Friday and Saturday movie nights and enjoy hiking with our two dogs. I love doing arts and crafts with my daughters or helping them put on “shows.”
RELATED ARTICLES
New FAMU-FSU Engineering organization gives a voice for students