Over the past 25 years, Marcia Heath, archives specialist at the University Libraries, has gained firsthand knowledge about the University’s nearly-100 years of history. Working intimately with letters, photographs, and newspaper clippings, she has supported countless research requests, helped hire and worked closely with student workers, and sifted through thousands of images and documents while preparing countless exhibitions. Her work has supported numerous authors with their book projects, including acclaimed historian and preservationist Arva Moore Parks, who served as a member of the University of Miami Board of Trustees for 26 years, and William R. Butler, the University’s first vice president for student affairs.
In a few words, what has kept you at the University all these years?
I love working with students and faculty members. It gives me a sense of satisfaction to help them locate historical documents in the University Archives. I value the relationships with the students, faculty members, and researchers. While working in the University Archives, I am asked to assist in many different areas. I love to help, and I believe when we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed. It’s my mission on this earth to help people and that's who I am.
My mentor, Beatrice Skokan, continues to show me how valuable I am within the organization by providing regular feedback and recognition, offering opportunities for growth and development, showing empathy and understanding, while demonstrating trust and respect. I am so grateful for her mentorship and valued advice.
What is your most memorable experience at the University?
One of my most memorable experiences involved co-curating the 2017 exhibit, “We Are Pioneers.” This project gave me a chance to bring to life the story of the first Black students at the University of Miami. It was a challenge to locate the few photographs taken during the 1960s and 1970s of the first Black students. I was determined to find images to display and spent a whole year searching through yearbooks. The first Black alumni who came to see the exhibit were amazed to see photos of themselves they didn’t know existed.
Also, in 2016 during the inauguration of President Julio Frenk, I had the unique opportunity to share details about the historical images of University presidents on display during “First at UM,” one of the presidential events at the Newman Alumni Center. I helped organize an exhibition that included the University’s first published yearbook, which President Frenk perused. It was an amazing time. I'll never forget the opportunity I had supporting multiple exhibits and putting together talking points for the inaugural event.
What does being recognized for reaching this important milestone mean to you?
This milestone demonstrates appreciation for my hard work, valuable contributions, and dedication to the University of Miami.
This year's Faculty and Staff Long Service Award Ceremony recognizes 278 faculty and staff who have reached a long service milestone of 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, and 55 years between June 1, 2023, and May 31, 2024. Show our long service honorees some appreciation by sending a heartfelt card through the Thank a 'Cane tool. View a full list of this year's honorees.
