Latino Legacy at UCF: Dr. Cyndia Morales Muñiz's Collection

Dr. Cyndia M. Muñiz earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology at Binghamton University and a master's degree in sociology at St. John's University before embarking on a new adventure as a doctoral student at the University of Central Florida in 2008. Dr. Muñiz received her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership in 2013 with support from the McKnight Doctoral Fellowship program and the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Program. Both programs are designed to prepare students from low-income, first-generation and traditionally underrepresented groups for doctoral studies.

Dr. Muñiz, who grew up in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, is the daughter of Puerto Rican parents, who migrated to New York in search of a better life. It is through her experience growing up in a low-income, Black and Puerto Rican community that nurtured her strong connection to her roots and her dedicated personality in ensuring minoritized groups are properly represented. These traits have propelled Dr. Muñiz’s successful career in advocating for the Latino community at UCF. She is also the first in her family to earn a college degree.

Since her arrival at UCF, Dr. Muñiz has worked as a Graduate Assistant (2008-2011), Graduate Research Associate (2011-2012), Adjunct Faculty (2012-2016), Assistant Director of Multicultural Academic and Support Services in the Division of Student Development and Enrollment Services (2012-2017), Assistant Director of Hispanic Initiatives in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (2017-2019), and most recently, UCF Director (at large) of HSI Culture and Partnerships. Dr. Muñiz's efforts and accomplishments have been celebrated by UCF, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando, the Puerto Rican Chamber of Central Florida, La Prensa Newspaper, the Orlando Business Journal, the Women's Executive Council of Orlando, the Council for Latino Workplace Equity, and the College Board.

The University of Central Florida has strived to build an inclusive culture for all students, faculty and staff. In 1985, the Latin American Student Association (formerly known as the Hispanic American Student Association from 1985-2014) was established. LASA's goal is to promote Latin American culture at UCF as well as in Central Florida. The organization coordinates socials, forums, workshops, movie and game nights, and many of the various Hispanic Heritage Month events. These events are to help facilitate their mission of providing knowledge of Latino cultures and assisting minoritized students in achieving academic excellence. In the years following LASA's creation, UCF has made other triumphant steps in establishing a more solid and equal footing for those who are a part of or wish to learn about the Hispanic/Latino community. In 2006, UCF hired their first Hispanic (Cuban) dean, José Fernández (who retired in 2018), and offered the first Parent Orientation in Spanish. In 2011, the Latin American Studies Major was launched followed by the launching of Knightly Latino, a Spanish-language newscast in 2012.

Since 2015, many positive and larger steps have been taken by UCF to elevate the visibility of the Latino community. These efforts include the creation of the CREAR (College REadiness, Achievement and Retention) Futuros Mentoring Program, the addition of a Latino subgroup category in the Entering Student Survey, the establishment of the Hispanic Serving Institution Exploratory Committee (later Hispanic Serving Institution Task Force and now Hispanic Serving Institution Council), UCF being invited by the Excellence in Education to participate in several national projects and joining their Presidents for Latino Student Success Network, and the establishment of the Latino Faculty and Staff Association (LaFaSA).

LaFaSA was founded in 2015 under the tutelage of Dr. Muñiz. As the founding president of the organization, Dr. Muñiz along with the assistance of then vice president Cristina Luna and then outreach officer Justin Andrade developed LaFaSA's constitution and bylaws. LaFaSA is dedicated to raising awareness and advocating for the needs and goals of the Latino faculty and staff at UCF as well as bringing the Latino community together to support the fastest growing student population. A part of their mission is to seek advanced education and work opportunities that would enhance the status of Latinos/as within the university community. In 2016, LaFaSA hosted the Inaugural Broche de Oro (Gold Brooch) faculty/staff recognition dinner and Charla (Chat) con (with) LaFaSA (a Spanish debrief orientation session). In 2017, LaFaSA along with LASA and CREAR hosted UCF’s inaugural Latino Graduation Celebration called, Nuestra Graduación, to recognize Latino/Hispanic graduates and their families. Another highly active Latino Organization at UCF (established in 2017) is the Puerto Rican Student Association (PRSA). PRSA serves as liaison between UCF and the Puerto Rican community to support and unite Puerto Rican students on campus. PRSA's goal is to help and support each other throughout their educational journey at UCF. This goal was most recognizably seen following Hurricane Maria in 2017. PRSA rallied behind their fellow Puerto Ricans to ensure they received the best support for their personal and educational needs. PRSA worked with UCF to establish multiple relief events as well as granting those who lived on the island to attend UCF at an in-state tuition cost through 2023. All 20+ Latino based student organizations are united under the Juntos – the Latino Leadership Council. This Council represents the importance of highlighting the unique nationalities of Latin America, while promoting collaboration and unity.

UCF continues to grow and expand its boundaries to be successful in its goal to be the most inclusive university. As of 2018, the population of Latino students at UCF exceeds twenty-seven percent (16,191) of undergraduate enrollment and continues to grow.