Spotlight on CASL Staff Member Kiara Marshall
January 19, 2022
Enjoy the following Q&A with Kiara Marshall, Administrative Assistant in the CASL Dean's Office.
Name: Kiara Marshall
Position: Administrative Assistant, CASL Dean’s Office
Years at UM-Dearborn: 3.5 months; 6 years in Ann Arbor
What does a typical workday look like for you?
I like to begin my workday by first looking over my calendar, the Dean’s calendar, and my to-do list. After familiarizing myself with meetings and any other things to expect for the day, I begin checking emails. The rest of my day consists of working on any ongoing tasks (such as assisting with Full Professor Reviews, Sabbaticals, P Card expenses, processing payments, updating policies and forms, etc.), and assisting the office with anything the Dean, Associate Deans, and Administrative Manager may need. These tasks are all done in between taking calls and answering any emails.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The best part of my job is being surrounded by such amazing individuals. I have learned so much and felt so welcomed in the short amount of time that I have been with the department. It is also an added bonus that my days are not all the same, as they tend to differ significantly based on the needs of the office.
What was your first job?
During my freshman year at UM-Ann Arbor, I obtained my first job as a barista at Mujo’s Cafe, located on north campus. It was a great experience in which I was able to meet some people that I am still able to call friends today. This cafe also served as the beginning of my “Freshman 15”, as we were frequently allowed to practice and try out new recipes and desserts.
What do you do to relax?
During the times where I need to relax or decompress from a long day, I’d typically join friends for dinner, travel, or take my little ones to some sort of park. Since things are a little different right now, I find myself more so reading, cuddling with my toddlers, or binge watching HGTV!
If you could have any one skill or talent that you don’t already have, what would it be?
One skill that I’ve become more and more interested in is swimming. Despite high school swimming lessons, I’ve never learned to swim and am now terrified of being in any body of water taller than 5ft. Nevertheless, I would love to learn and be able to participate in more water activities, without the fear of drowning.
What’s the proudest moment of your life?
The proudest moment of my life, besides being a mother to two amazing little boys, would have to be acquiring an education. I am a first generation college student and I have always prided myself on educational/professional success. I was lucky enough to have not only learned from the leaders and the best, but to have excelled in graduate school as well. Each time I walked across the stage, I grew more proud– for myself, my family, and the future legacy that I plan to leave behind for my children.
If we were to create a UM-Dearborn playlist, what song would you want to include?
So Into You x Tamia. This was a rather difficult question, but I feel that this song accurately depicts my feelings. Although this late 90s R&B song by Tamia describes a love interest; it can also describe how special U-M has made me feel and how difficult it is to part ways (especially considering I have not left, in one capacity or another, since undergrad).
What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
People would be surprised to know that despite my unathletic appearance and apparent lack of interest in sports, I was really good at basketball (especially in grade school).
What’s one thing you wish you had known when you were a teenager?
When I was a teenager, I wish I’d known the importance of cherishing the little things that mattered most. As cliché as it sounds, life is short and there is no rush on growing up.