Phyllis Klock

Chair, UCF Foundation Board of Directors, Charter Trustee Emerita 2015 Womens History Month

What is your current job title and responsibilities?
Chair – UCF Foundation Board of Directors; Charter Trustee Emerita

What is your history at UCF and before UCF? 
Retired President and Chief Operating Officer – CompBenefits Corporation.

What is your academic background?
BS from Bridgewater State University (Massachusetts); graduate studies at University of Illinois and Virginia Tech

What is your favorite UCF memory?
Being awarded an honorary doctorate and having the opportunity to serve as the commencement speaker.

If you could change one thing at UCF, what would it be? ($ and time no object)
UCF would have sufficient resources such that every student would be able to graduate without incurring any debt.

What is one piece of advice you would like to share with your colleagues?
As I shared in my commencement speech –  Learn all you can.  Serve all you can.  Give all you can.

If UCF was going to name something in your honor, what would you like it to be and why?
A scholarship/fellowship program.  Although I come from a family of very modest means, I graduated from college without debt thanks to the sacrifices of my parents, the taxpayers of my home state, and the scholarships donated by generous supporters of my university.   My dream is that others would enjoy that same blessing and be able to pursue the career of their dreams.

If you could have lunch with anyone at UCF (who you do not normally eat lunch with), who would you choose and why?  Dr. Deboarh Beidel.  The work that she and her staff and students are doing with our veterans who are suffering from PTSD is impressive and life-changing.

Who at UCF would you like to thank for your success?
President John Hitt for nominating me to the UCF Board of Trustees.  It was such an honor and joy to serve as a Charter Trustee.

Name and describe a teacher or researcher from your past who truly inspired you and why.
Dr. Jordan Fiore, my major professor at Bridgewater State University.  Dr. Fiore was a well-recognized scholar and an engaging lecturer who exemplified the love of learning and true care and concern for his students.

What undergraduate or graduate class/program/experience inspired you the most and why?
Participating in the Model UN program as an undergraduate.  I had rarely traveled outside of the Boston area, and this program brought me to New York City and into contact with college students from all over the country as well as with international diplomats – opening horizons and perspectives.

What is your favorite restaurant or food?
Café Sunflower in Atlanta – The best vegetarian restaurant we’ve ever found.  Even non-vegetarians love it!

What is your favorite movie, book or music?
Music – Amazing Grace.

What is your favorite vacation destination? 
In the US –  Amelia Island Plantation.  Outside the US –  Spain

 

Contact Us

Linda Walters, Director of the UCF Center for Success of Women Faculty
Linda.Walters@ucf.edu

Phone: 407-823-1113

Mailing Address
Center for Success of Women Faculty
University of Central Florida
P.O. Box 160955
Orlando, FL 32816-0955

Physical Address
4365 Andromeda Loop N
Millican Hall, Suite 351
Orlando, FL 32816-1997

Internal Mail (UCF)
Center for Success of Women Faculty
MH 351
32816-0065