Lisa Norris Bernau

UWF degree and year of graduation:
BA, Music 1992

Why did you choose to attend UWF?
UWF has always been a part of my family. My father, Dr. Jerry Norris, was a graduate of the charter class and the first UWF alumnus hired by President Harold Crosby (Dad will retire this year after 38 years at UWF). I grew up performing in piano recitals held at UWF and even attended cheerleading camp on UWF’s campus while I was in middle school. I was comfortable at UWF and knew what it would offer. My decision was really solidified when I won a four year scholarship to UWF while competing in the Florida Junior Miss pageant as Escambia County’s Junior Miss. As I look back on my experience, I realize that “staying at home allowed me to travel the world.”

What were your goals as a student?
I wanted to balance piano performance and pre law…I wanted to try it all! UWF provided the support to help me do just that. Whether it was class scheduling assistance from Dr. Lynne A. Lauderdale, experiencing the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra with Dr. Grier Williams, typing Dr. James A. Robinson’s notes and chapters from his China and Taiwan travels, or planning and coordinating the first summer semester in Japan through Dr. Michael Yots, Dr. Richard Sjolander, and Ms. Shigeko Honda, my experiences with the UWF faculty were so positive. My goals as a student were numerous and challenging…to my great satisfaction, my actual experiences far exceeded what I had ever imagined. Being able to spend quality semesters in Japan broadened my education beyond my expectations, and at the same time, helped me fully realize that music is an international language. I was thrilled to serve as an international ambassador for UWF. One of the highlights of my stay in Japan was being able to sight-see and tour Tokyo with University President Morris Marx and his wife, Sally.

What is your best memory from your days at UWF?
I have so many of them! One special memory is my senior piano performance recital. The Center for Fine and Performing Arts facility was so new that there were no lights on the Music Hall stage. The recital could not wait for lights because I was scheduled to return to Japan and had to complete the recital to graduate. Due to some ingenious handiwork and creativity by my father, lights were temporarily installed and the recital was a success! It was the first official piano recital in our new building.

Another memory includes taking two UWF courses with my Mother, Diane Norris. I will never forget our Professor, Dr. Robinson, calling on us during class as “Mrs. Norris” and “Miss Norris!”

Who was your favorite professor and why?
Dr. Lynne Lauderdale – Prior to arriving at UWF, I had been studying piano under her direction. She had a major influence on my ability to juggle my UWF schedule. She taught me piano and organ and many of my required courses. She encouraged me to be my best, not just in music, but in life. She was concerned about the “whole” student.

What do you do now? How did UWF help you progress to this point?
I serve as Chief Deputy for the Honorable Ernie Lee Magaha, Escambia County’s Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller. My responsibilities include serving as In-House Legal Counsel and coordinating the constitutionally mandated responsibilities of the Clerk and Comptroller’s Office. We have 230 full-time employees in 28 divisions in five office locations. Each day is an opportunity to learn more about our local system of justice, Florida’s ever-changing legislation, and what is in the best interests of the Citizens of Escambia County.

My undergraduate education at UWF and my law school experience at FSU exposed me to some outstanding leaders – UWF Presidents James Robinson and Morris Marx, and FSU former President and law school dean, Sandy D’Alemberte. Each of them had a unique impact on me and their influence prepared me for the career I enjoy today. Their influence included exposure to scholarship, world- wide travel, teaching me to ask the hard questions, and demonstrating how to listen. My UWF experience opened doors for me and gave me life-long friendships, both local and international. I take great pride in “my University on the Hill.”

How do you stay connected to UWF?
I stay connected in some unique ways through my personal interests and my family. My father and I recently participated in the “All Steinway School” dedication at The Center for Fine and Performing Arts. During the Festival on the Green this year, my husband, Sheldon, and I took our two young children to the Phillips Piano Jazz competition at the Saenger Theatre…what a great evening hosted by UWF! Sheldon recently completed the Master of Accountancy Program and graduated from UWF. We both work in downtown Pensacola and see the influence of UWF and President Cavanaugh in the Pensacola Historic Village and the Maritime Museum and Park developments. On a professional note, I have enjoyed sharing my experiences with UWF students in the classroom, as well as coordinating legal interns in our Office through the UWF Legal Studies Program.

What advice do you have to current and future UWF students?
I would encourage each student to make the most of his or her time on campus and experience the programs and opportunities that are offered. Ask the hard questions and work on campus, if possible. The more you experience at UWF, the more likely you will know what you want to do when you graduate. Use your UWF time as a “practice” session for life.

What quality makes UWF special or unique?
The personal touch! The Faculty and staff know you by name and are excited to be a part of your education as you prepare for your future. The personal experiences of our alumni serve as the foundation of our pride in telling others about “the rest of the story…our University on the Hill, in Downtown Pensacola, and along the Emerald Coast!”

Back to top