Maggie LeClair : Women who shaped UCF

Congratulations, Maggie LeClair, on your special honor from the UCF Center for Success of Women Faculty.

The Center is celebrating “31 wonderful UCF women who have helped chart the course of UCF’s 50-year history” with special stories on their site. Leclair was honored on March 2 with the below interview. 2010 041

What is your current job title and responsibilities?
Assistant to the Dean of the College of Sciences
Responsibilities include: Scheduling & Dean’s Calendar, Meeting Coordination, Event Planning, Involvement in Colleges’/Departments’/School’s Foundation Accounts; Scholarship Awards

What is your history at UCF? (past job titles, responsibilities)
Formerly Administrative Assistant in the Nicholson School of Communication Responsibilities included: Budget, Payroll & Hiring, Oversight of Main Office, Staff, OPS & Work Study Personnel, Foundation, Travel, Director’s Scheduling & Calendar, Meeting Coordination, Event Planning and Faculty Assignments.

What is your favorite UCF memory?
That’s a toughie since I have many but one that stands out is the Opening of the College of Medicine event.  So fortunate to have been able to witness the hope and promise surrounding the event.  I have a brick in the plaza to honor my mother, Betsy Coull, who was a dedicated and talented nurse most of her life.  I just wish she could have been there to see it.

If you could change one thing at UCF, what would it be? ($ and time no object)
The Parking!!

What is one piece of advice you would like to share with your colleagues?
As UCF grows in size and stature, it’s difficult not to take the troubles and pressures of the work day home. Try not to.  We are all part of an amazing team of administrators, faculty, staff and students striving each day to give our best to UCF.  Do something you enjoy outside the workplace!

What is your favorite restaurant or food?
The Tolbooth in Stonehaven, on the Northeast Coast of Scotland – (Scottish Restaurant of the Year in 2009) Favorite food there would have to be the Crispy Thyme ‘Mille Feuille’ layers of filo pastry, cep mushrooms, sunblush tomatoes & thai grass, topped with a quenelle of ratte potato and a truffle viniagrette.Favorite restaurant here is Ravenous Pig in Winter Park.  Favorite food there would have to be the Shrimp and Grits (no sausage or bacon please!)

What is your favorite book or movie or song?
Anything by James Herriot – All Things Bright and Beautiful; All Creatures Great and Small. Good to cry and laugh out loud all through the same book. Movie The Big Chill. Seen it about 8 times – Johnny Carson produced.  Had an amazing sound track.  Song, Too many to list but Stand By Me is a constant favorite

What is your dream vacation spot?
Corfu in Greece

What is your favorite sport to watch or participate?
Participate – Horseback Riding! – Just got a new horse – Sefton.  Temporary insanity at my age. What was I saying about doing something you enjoy outside the workplace?!?  Watch – Showjumping, Dressage (particularly the musical kur – Andreas Helgstrand’s YouTube round is a must see)

If UCF was going to name something in your honor, what would you like it to be?
A scholarship for a talented student equestrian.

If you could have lunch with anyone at UCF, who would you choose and why?  Boyd Lindsley, Assistant Director of the Nicholson School of Communication.  He’s smart, funny, engaging, spontaneous, adventurous, and neither one of us is known for our appetite

Who at UCF would you like to thank for your success?
Two people for sure – Dr. Raymond Buchanan – first hired me back in the day.  Just attended a Nicholson School of Communication Reunion and he said it was his legacy to UCF — funny man! We are still close friends and Dr. Peter Panousis, then Dean of the College of Sciences who hired me for my second life at UCF.  Have to look very hard to find a finer human being.  It was a privilege to work with him as most people who ever have will agree.

Name and describe a teacher from you past who truly inspired you.
Mr. Ingram (Southesk Academy) – not only a terrific teacher but a terrific mentor and person. He encouraged us not only to think for ourselves but to stand up for our beliefs.  He left a lasting impression.  As did Miss Pam who instilled fear on the hockey field!

What undergraduate class/program inspired you the most and why?
Took a Photojournalism class with Dr. Paul Hightower.  Gave me an appreciation for black & white photography and cemented the belief, “every picture tells a story.”

If you had a “free” Saturday, how would you spend the day? You mean without laundry, car washing, housecleaning, and grocery shopping??!! Tea and toast and a newspaper on the back porch with my corgi, Tag,  Riding Sefton on a lovely long trail, Massage by Jeanne Hollingshead, Lunch and wine with my favorite girlfriends, Clothes Shopping , Workout with Rob Murray and Dinner and a movie with my husband, Ron…unless he’s agreeable to dancing!?



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