AAFSA In-the-Spotlight Recipient

 Flora Coleman

Office Manager

Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity 

What do you do at UNF?   

I am the Office Manager for the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity.  I started working here at UNF in 1986 in the College of Education and Human Services’ department of Curriculum and Instruction chaired by Dr. G. Pritchard Smith; from there I went to work for the Affirmative Action Officer and the Executive Assistant to the President. Mr. William DeSue.  Later, I was promoted to Senior Executive Secretary for the President, Dr. Curt McCray.   I had the opportunity of working for three of UNF's presidents:  Drs. Curtis McCray, Roy McTarnagan and Adam Herbert.     

Tell us something that would surprise people to know about you?   

I’ve started a mentoring/empowerment program to support, motivate and inspire boys, especially those without fathers in their lives.  The program is called Boys to Men.  We discuss various topics such as education, getting along, and basic life principles.  

What are some of your accomplishments or community involvement? Some of my community involvements include:    

• Member, USPA Staff Affairs Committee 
• Executive Board Member, Neighborhood Association 
• Volunteer, State of Florida Guardian ad Litem Program 
• Executive Board Member, Douglas Anderson Jr. Senior High School Alumni Association   
• Member, Douglas Anderson Jr. Senior High School Alumni Association Scholarship Selection Committee, which has awarded scholarships yearly to deserving high school students 
• Completed the Mayor’s Neighborhood Training Institute and acquired a grant from the City to purchase new lighting for neighborhood entrance and a lighted fountain for neighborhood lake  
• Involved with a ministry that volunteers at the Duval County Detention Center, a ministry that aims to make a difference in the lives of the children there so when they are released they will not return 
• Proud mother of four, three daughters and one son 
• My youngest daughter, she has a twin brother, will graduate from UNF in April.  I am especially proud of her because she had some health challenges and had to put her educational goals on hold for a while, but praise be to God, she will complete this phase of her educational goals and then start on the next phase, pursuing her master's degree. 

What person had the greatest impact on your life?   

My mom has had a huge impact on my life.  She and my dad divorced; therefore, she raised five children without assistance from my dad.  She encouraged us to be the best at whatever we did.  She pushed us to set goals and aspire to have a good life and to live a life that is pleasing to God. 

What is your favorite thing about working at UNF?   

One word comes to mind when I think of that question, and it is relationships.  Working here at UNF we develop close relationships; not only with co-workers but with the students as well.  UNF has grown so much that we do not get to spend as much time with each other but it is a great place to work.  The work environment here is great.  However, I really enjoyed the student contact.  Working directly with students was and is most enjoyable.   In the past, I worked more with students and I miss some of that direct student contact. 

What are you passionate about?   

I'm passionate about making a difference in the lives of boys and girls.  I pray that I do or say something that inspires young men and women to finish high school, go to college, get a good job, be a model citizen, and exemplify values, respect, and a life that is pleasing to God.  To see one person change their direction from a destructive path is very important to me.  If I can make a difference in one person's life, I feel that it will put a dent in the crime statistics here in Jacksonville.   I am very passionate about inspiring young people to make a change in their lives especially those who do not see the value of an education, who can’t wait to get out of high school and do nothing more to improve their lifestyle, or those who simply do not want to finish high school. 

Why did you join AAFSA and how do you feel AAFSA benefited you?     

I am proud to be part of the African American Faculty and Staff Association and to assist wherever I can.  We have accomplished so much in a short time that AAFSA has been reestablished.  I enjoy the fellowship and being able to work with a group of colleagues with similar goals.