Sept. 17, 2024 — As an administrative specialist in the University of Florida College of Medicine Office of the Dean, Desiree “Desi” Waters plays a key role in supporting operations and collegewide initiatives. On any given day, she can be found coordinating event details, booking venues, and meeting with colleagues — or in the newsroom as a student journalist with WUFT-TV News.

Waters joined the UF College of Medicine in 2022, when a friend encouraged her to apply for an administrative support position. After serving in that role for almost two years, she transitioned to an administrative specialist. While she remains dedicated to ensuring programs operated by the Office of the Dean run smoothly, she also balances her duties at the College of Medicine with her work as a part-time student at the UF College of Journalism and Communications.

The Office of the Dean oversees administration for the college, including developing and executing a strategic plan to set goals, priorities, and resource allocation. As an administrative specialist, Waters is responsible for spearheading projects and initiatives for the interim dean, Jennifer L. Hunt, M.D., M.Ed., and her chief of staff, Brigit G. Dermott. Waters is currently in the midst of managing logistics for the fourth annual Orange and Brew event, taking place Sept. 27 during College of Medicine Week, as well as organizing the upcoming new faculty retreat.

“A project can be as simple as ordering coffee for a large meeting with stakeholders, picking up someone from the airport, or organizing a whole event,” Waters said. “I think it’s important to just always put your best foot forward, no matter what it is.”

After spending eight years of her career in the early child care sector, she left feeling motivated to achieve a lifelong dream of running a camp for children who might not otherwise have access to enriching activities. She is determined to provide accessibility to families of all backgrounds, to combat the high expenses often associated with child care.

Waters sees effective communication as essential for reaching the community and securing crucial funding for a children’s camp. With support from her supervisors, she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in public relations at UF, having earned an associate degree from Santa Fe College in 2023. Waters receives financial support from UF’s Employee Education Program, available to full-time employees, to partly pay for tuition.

The Office of the Dean provides Waters with flexibility in her schedule to balance her professional responsibilities and academic pursuits, enabling her to supplement practical experience from working at the College of Medicine with enriching educational experiences at the College of Journalism and Communications. This summer, she worked at WUFT-TV News, UF’s NPR-affiliate station, as a weather reporter. She credits on-air opportunities with helping her fine-tune her public speaking skills and boost her confidence. This fall, Waters returned to the newsroom as a student journalist.

“I find it really valuable to be within close proximity to very well-educated people, specifically women,” she said. “They are always encouraging you to keep going and push forward. Dean Hunt and Brigit are super supportive of me doing other things that may not directly affect the College of Medicine — my personal, academic, and career goals.”

Dermott, chief of staff, has worked closely with Waters since August 2023. Their collaborative efforts support the dean’s collegewide initiatives.

“I know I can hand off a project to Desiree and totally trust that she will do a fantastic job, which is invaluable,” Dermott said. “Desiree is enthusiastic, dedicated, creative, and a true pleasure. She brings warmth and fun to her work. Not only can she give an excellent weather report as a student reporter, but she also brings the sunshine wherever she goes!”

Despite her busy schedule balancing work and school, Waters also oversees the dance ministry at a local church, travels throughout the state, and spends quality time with family. She grew up in a single-parent home and watched her mother, Elois Waters, succeed as an educator and dance instructor. Her mother also earned degrees from Santa Fe College and UF, and her dedication and perseverance have motivated Waters to achieve professional excellence.

Waters encourages others to take a leap of faith and pursue their passions. She believes in making the most of your time and chasing dreams that break barriers, much like her sports idol, Jackie Robinson.

“The time is going to go by regardless, so, at least if you look back you can say ‘Oh, wow! Now, I’ve earned an A.A. in the last two years,’” she said. “No one can take your degree away from you.”