When Yvette Mozie-Ross, health science and policy '88, was a new UMBC student, she quickly learned the value of alumni involvement. "It's my first semester, and I'm sitting in the residence hall studying for finals. I'm feeling very anxious when suddenly there's this knock at the door. It's a group of alumni saying 'good luck' and handing out candy bars! It was very touching and the encouragement was timely. I think that's what prompted me to want to provide that same support for undergrads as an alum, and we continue that tradition of handing out candy bars," Mozie-Ross says with a laugh.
Now working in undergraduate admissions, Mozie-Ross is a leading force in building student-alumni relations at UMBC. In fact, she never really left at all, opting to work on campus rather than enter the healthcare field upon graduation. "I was active as an undergrad, and I felt comfortable here. There were staff and faculty who nurtured my professional development, so staying at UMBC seemed ideal. I knew there was an opportunity for continued personal and professional growth."
Mozie-Ross feels a strong commitment to the students at UMBC who are going through the same experiences she had as an undergrad. "Times may change but the same transitional issues for students are there. The edge I have is that I actually went through it all at UMBC, so I can share a familiar perspective with students."
She now passes that encouragement and support on to new students through her work in admissions. Kristina Boyd, biological sciences and psychology '01, a student employee who assists with student recruitment, came to UMBC for the friendly, open atmosphere. "Yvette is very enthusiastic about keeping in touch with student life," says Boyd. "Her enthusiasm shines through time and time again."
Mozie-Ross' enthusiasm has led to her participation in a variety of committees, such as the Alumni Association's Public Policy Forum and Finance Scholarship Committee, and various student life activities. She rode on the student bus to the annual Annapolis Legislative Reception to review key issues with students. She recently finished her term on the board of directors for the Alumni Association, and pioneered a new chapter in UMBC alumni relations as co-founder and first president of the On-Campus Alumni Chapter. She even taught English 100, "Student Success Seminar," to encourage freshmen to emerge as leaders in their campus community.
She is dedicated to her role as a leader in the UMBC community. "We have a commitment to prepare students for the world beyond college. I'd like to see UMBC provide more opportunities for incoming students to understand the role of the Alumni Association so that it's a natural process for them to stay connected."
Eucharia Stacy, psychology '00, a student employee who assists with orientation, understands completely. "As a student, it's nice to see UMBC alumni who are now excited about working here. Yvette is an extremely caring person and a joy to work with. I feel connected to UMBC now and would enjoy the opportunity to continue being involved down the road."
Raymond Sheets, biological sciences '00, one of her students in English 100 and another student employee in admissions, echoes Stacy's sentiments. Sheets sees Mozie-Ross as a shining example of UMBC's long-term commitment to its students.
"She believes in working together as a team to get the job done," says Sheets. Stacy agrees, "I look up to her as an authority, but I know I can always talk with her 'friend to friend.' Yvette is definitely an inspiration to me."
For Mozie-Ross, her work is inspiring in and of itself. "There's so much change and growth at UMBC now, and there are no 'typical' days in admissions," she laughs. "Recruiting students is a dynamic field. I enjoy meeting them and talking to them about what UMBC has to offer."
As a tour guide in the admissions office, Boyd sees the influx of new students firsthand. "Word is getting out about UMBC. My tours have expanded from five to 15 people, and they're coming from farther away to visit campus."
With UMBC enjoying an upsurge in enrollment, to what does Mozie-Ross attribute the success of the campus and its continued growth? "We have an innovative administration, a dedicated faculty and a staff committed to providing a supportive and encouraging campus community for our students. I believe the students we attract and the experiences they bring with them ultimately enhance the quality of student life at UMBC both inside and outside the classroom."
At the end of the day, Mozie-Ross doesn't need to look too hard for deeper meaning in her work. "It's a part of who I am. I don't have any reason for doing these things other than I think it's the right thing to do and I enjoy doing them. It feels good to represent something you truly believe in. There's no better job."
Arnold T. Blumberg is editor of the Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide and Turning Pages and the book editor for EON Magazine. He is teaching a course on comics at UMBC this fall.
