Valarie King

Director, Office of Diversity Initiatives history month profiles

What is your current job title and responsibilities?
Director, Office of Diversity Initiatives.  I am responsible for programs, activities, and strategies that support the UCF goal of becoming more inclusive and diverse. 

What is your history at UCF? (past job titles, responsibilities)
Counseling Psychologist, Counseling Center
Interim Director, Multicultural Student Services

What is your favorite UCF memory?
Annual graduation of the Leadership Enhancement Program—I am so proud of the scholars who complete the program. 

If you could change one thing at UCF, what would it be? ($ and time no object)
Expand the Office of Diversity Initiatives to a division with a building and several staff members

What is one piece of advice you would like to share with your colleagues?
Always do your very best at everything you do and maintain your integrity regardless. . .

What is your favorite restaurant or food?
My favorite breakfast – hot biscuits and butter
My favorite lunch – grilled cheese sandwich and a bosc pear
My favorite dinner – osso buco with root vegatables, couscous, and Caesar salad
My favorite dessert – Blue Bell pineapple and vanilla ice cream and key lime pie

What is your favorite book or movie or song?
This is difficult since I love so many songs, movies, and books.
I will Survive – Song
The River Ran Through It – Movie
The Five People you Meet in Heaven – Book

What is your dream vacation spot?
Florence, Italy

What is your favorite sport to watch or participate?
Professional Football

If UCF was going to name something in your honor, what would you like it to be?
A building dedicated to diversity, inclusion, social justice or community engagement.

If you could have lunch with anyone at UCF, who would you choose and why?
Chair of the Board of Trustees.  I would like to get to know him better. 

Who at UCF would you like to thank for your success?
President Hitt for giving me the opportunity to function in my current role.

Name and describe a teacher from you past who truly inspired you.
Third grade teacher, Mrs. Coleman.  She was smart and sophisticated.

What undergraduate class/program inspired you the most and why?
Psychology classes in which Spelman women were in the same courses as Morehouse Men-very competitive and academically stimulating.

If you had a “free” Saturday, how would you spend the day?
Dining with friends at a favorite restaurant or visiting a nearby community like St. Augustine.

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