Erin Sandonato

UWF degree and year of graduation:
BA Communication Arts / Public Relations 2003
Masters Education Leadership / College Student Personnel 2005

Why did you choose to attend UWF?
I was looking for a smaller university with a good Public Relations Program. When I found out a text book I was using was written by a faculty member at UWF, I decided to transfer schools and learn from the best!

What were your goals as a student?
Get involved with the university and make life connections. I started in January 2002 at UWF and by the 2003/04 academic year, I was the president of SGA. I wanted to find an institution that felt like home and I instantly felt that way when I came to campus. Because of my experiences and the people I met at UWF, I realized my passion for student affairs. It was literally a life changing experience.

What is your best memory from your days at UWF?
I enjoyed the many opportunities to work one-on-one with UWF administrators, especially Dr. Debbie Ford. I even had the opportunity to team teach with Dr. Ford for the freshman year experience class and intern in her office for a semester. It is rare to be able to have such terrific opportunities and learn from some of the best in a profession, but at UWF, those opportunities are around every corner!

Who was your favorite professor and why?
Eileen Perrigo for my bachelor’s degree because her knowledge and advice. Even though I am not in the field of PR, I still use everything I learned from her over the years.

What do you do now?
I am the Complex Director for the University Apartments at Valdosta State University (VSU) in Valdosta, GA. I also teach a section of the VSU Freshmen Year Experience Course and serve as the department liaison for the Substance Abuse Task Force.

How did UWF help you progress to this point?
My experiences and the people I met at UWF helped me realize what kind of professional I wanted to be and the importance of going after what you want. Having the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the field of Student Affairs, set my standards pretty high. I am a better person, professional and leader because of UWF. I have made life-long friends and mentors and wonderful memories that will stay with me forever!

Outside of working, what activities and organizations are you currently involved in and what are your hobbies?
I am an active member of several Student Affairs Professional Organizations: NAPSA, SACSA, SEAHO, and ASJA. I recently got engaged, so all of my free time is spent planning my wedding, which will be in May 2008 in Cocoa Beach, FL!

How do you stay connected to UWF?
I stay connected on the alumni list serve; attend professional conferences where I am able to see colleagues from UWF; and I also stay in contact with Dr. Debbie Ford and Tammy McGuckin through email and phone. I visit campus as often as I can!

What advice do you have to current and future UWF students?
Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way and if you want it, make it happen. Make appointments with administrators and faculty members to get their advice and direction. Don’t just blend in, but make a conscience effort to stand out in a positive way!

What quality makes UWF special or unique?
The size of the institution and the fact that it doesn’t matter who you are, you matter to someone at the UWF. Administrators and faculty will know you and take time to listen to you. As a student, you truly have a voice and the opportunity to make a difference.

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