Janice Lopez / April 2012

The Leadership Award is designed to recognize an individual who challenges students and other staff members to achieve excellence and motivates and sets the example of excellence for others to follow. This individual is successful in moving a team toward goals that are consistent with the vision of a department, group, committee, or university organization.

The recipient of this past year’s Leadership Award was Janice Lopez.

Janice began her career at FIU over 26 years ago. Since then, Janice has developed her skills to move from teacher to Assistant Director of the Children’s Center. In this role, she has not only taught hundreds of children, but mentored hundreds of our students as they work toward becoming educators themselves. Janice has adapted to an ever- changing environment at FIU and been resilient throughout the process. She is an example of leadership for developing excellent teachers as the University grows and moves forward.

Part of moving forward in the Children’s Center was the recent SACS accreditation process. This accreditation is long and tedious, and Janice led the office in delegating responsibilities, following a time line, and working together as a cohesive staff. The pride and joy of being awarded this accreditation was enjoyed by everyone, but it came together because of Janice’s leadership.

We are proud to have Janice Lopez as a member of The Division of Student Affairs.