Monday, June 20, 2005

As of June 15, 2005, Marcio Moreno assumed the position of Assistant Director of Admissions/Hispanic Recruitment for the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Moreno earned a Masters Degree in ESL Methods from the University of Panama and has taught English in Panama and Costa Rica, as well as Spanish in Durham, NC. In addition, Marcio worked with the ESL program in Duplin County, and, prior to joining the UNCW community, he gained valuable recruiting experience in his time in the admissions office at Fayetteville State University.

Moreno says that his knowledge of Hispanic culture will allow him to work with families and the community to help make selecting the right school an easier process. He adds that as one of only three state-supported institutions in North Carolina with a bilingual recruiter, “UNCW is one of the first schools to reach out.”

In addition to being part of an existing team in place to implement a diversity plan, Moreno will be able to direct his efforts towards working with community groups and forming relationships with high school counselors in key areas to enhance recruitment success. He will also produce Spanish admissions materials and travel as much as possible. Linda MacRae, Associate Director of Admissions for Diversity Recruitment, added that “because Marcio is Hispanic, he will bring an immediate understanding of the culture and will be able to communicate with families of prospective students.” MacRae also noted that with the growing Hispanic population in the area who are preparing to attend college, establishing common ground with a Hispanic recruiter is vital.

Moreno commented that he is “very happy to be here,” and that he enjoys Wilmington because it is an outlet for his personal interests such as fishing, diving, and reading.