Juliette Moore

UWF degree and year of graduation:
MS, HLS, 1976

Why did you choose to attend UWF?
I was offered a Graduate Assistant position in HLS. I am originally from New Orleans so it was nice to be fairly close to home.

What were your goals as a student?
I was seeking a career in recreation. At the time, I was on the teaching route. After my work experience in campus recreation with Bill Healey, my goals changed. I then wanted to go into campus recreation as a career, which I have been doing for the past 30 years. UWF changed my life and helped shape me to who I am today.

What is your best memory from your days at UWF?
Walking across the stage and receiving my Masters Degree and having my mother there with me. I was the last of thirteen kids and my mom encouraged me constantly to seek a master’s degree. That was one of many great memories from my days at UWF. There are so many other wonderful memories from UWF that I will cherish forever.

Who was your favorite professor and why?
Dr. Ross, who has since passed away, was one of my favorite professors. He was a professor in the Leisure Studies Department. I always enjoyed his classes. He gave us opportunities to contribute in class. We were able to take our education and put it into practice.

What do you do now?
I am the Director of Campus Recreation at the University of Arizona. I am a past president of the National Intramural Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) and was the first African American Female President (1998) of NIRSA.

How did UWF help you progress to this point?
Through the encouragement of Bill Healey, Executive Director of Student Life, I got involved with NIRSA. He encouraged me to get involved, join committees, and grow as a professional. UWF helped guide me through the process and supported my attendance to NIRSA conferences as a student. As a result of my involvement in NIRSA the opportunities were there for me, and I began seeking higher level positions in university campus recreation. I first went to Arizona State (Assistant Director), then to James Madison University (Associate Director), Northern Illinois University (Director), and now at the University of Arizona (Director). Bill continues to be a mentor to me as well as a great friend.

How do you stay connected to UWF?
I am a contributing alumnus. I often visit the UWF website. I receive the alumni publications. I stay in touch with Bill Healey, Executive Director of Student Life and view the UWF presentation each year at the NIRSA National Conference during the alumni meeting. I also serve as a member of the selection committee for the William Healey Leadership Award.

What advice do you have to current and future UWF students?
Take advantage of every opportunity that is afforded you at UWF. Be involved in all aspects of campus life and extra-curricular activities, as well as your academic career. These experiences help you grow tremendously as a person and as an individual.

What quality makes UWF special or unique?
The people! The faculty & staff are very open, encouraging, & supportive. The faculty & staff really take care of students and their needs, and care about their future success.

Outside of working, what activities and organizations are you currently involved in and what are your hobbies?
I volunteer with Big Brothers / Big Sisters. I recently received the “Hero In Our Midst” award for the month of October, 2006. Heroes In Our Midst is a national program of the Greeting Card Association that seeks to reinforce the importance of connecting with others, and to recognize individuals in America’s communities who are giving of themselves to make a positive impact in the life of others.  I am very active in my church, a member of the Laity, and am in charge of organizing our choirs and music leaders.

My hobbies are singing, playing congas and other musical instruments, and playing and watching sports. I love to sing Karaoke!

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