Geri Morgan

Kent School of Social Work--BSW Program

1. What is your favorite thing about advising U of L students?

My favorite thing is the diversity of our students. I have the opportunity to recruit and advise those who may just be coming out of high school and want to"change the world," as well as work with older students who are already established as "social workers" but are coming back to get the degree to match their experience.

2. What is your favorite thing about working or living in the city of Louisville?

Louisville offers a wide varity of arts, festivals, diversity, and emphasizes spirituality and social service.

3. How many years have you been advising students?

I have been an advisor for one year, but I have supervised students in social work practicums for eight years prior to working for the Kent School.

4. What is your alma mater?

Stetson University, DeLand, FL (BA in English)

Carver School of Social Work, Southern Baptisit Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY (Master of Social Work)

5. Name one interesting activity/hobby that you do outside of your profession.

I'm a political junkie, so election years are my favorite times.

6. What has been your favorite place to visit? Trinidad

7. If you could visit one place that you have never visited, where would you like to go?

I would love to go to Venice, Italy....ever since I was about six years old and pretended I was a gondolier on my skateboard with a broom handle.

8. What was the last book you read?

I am currently reading Barbara Kingsolver's Animal, Vegetable, Miracle.

9. If you could interview one living person in the world, who would you pick and why?

I would interview Bono to discuss his humanitarian endeavors and music.

10. What is your favorite "saying" or quote?

I have two favorites. "Service is the rent we pay to be living. It is the very purpose of life and not something you do in your spare time."-Marian Wright Edelman

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."- Eleanor Roosevelt

11. If you had a personal chef for the day, what is the one meal you would request?

I would request some great, fresh Florida seafood-smoked fish and fried shrimp with corn fritters.

12. What is one piece of advice that you wish you could tell all U of L students?

I tell students to look for excitement in the process of learning in addition to and in between the pages of the readings that are required. If you can catch a fever for lifelong learning in the process of all the "have-to's" to get your degree, you will continually grow and find pleasure in the little and big things of life.

13. What is one thing you are most proud of about your advising experiences at the University of Louisville?

I try to lend some life experience as a social worker both through my advising and teaching. I try to find a connection with each and every student. And, the students teach me as much as hopefully teach them.

14. What was your favorite band/singer or movie in high school?

The Bee Gees because "Saturday Night Fever" was big right before I entered high school.

15. Why did you choose to work for U of L?

I started with UofL almost six years ago when I was sought out to help start a new program with the dental school, focusing on treating HIV/AIDS patients because of my experience in the field and with grants management.

16. Of all the courses you see on a day to day basis, which one course would you most like to take or audit?

I would take any course in the Women's and Gender studies department.

by Erin Parker