Meet Massiel Muñoz, a UTRGV Unsung Hero

Text by Amanda A. Taylor-Uchoa

Massiel Muñoz, assistant director of the UTRGV Student Union on the Edinburg Campus, oversees the functionality of one of the most student-populated places on campus. She helps make sure things are running efficiently and that her staff has all they need to do their jobs in a clear and positive way.

Being able to work with students and support their journey in adulthood, Muñoz says, is one of her favorite parts of the job.

“I believe and enjoy what we do, that’s why, as a family, we participate in tailgating and athletics events, experience UTRGV arts, and volunteer when extra support is needed,” she says. “This is our village, and we are invested in its success.”

WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT UTRGV?

I have the pleasure to serve as the assistant director of the Edinburg Student Union. We say that “taking the most effective role” is part of our department culture. Therefore, depending on the day, I may oversee a building or buildings, queue long lines, greet new and returning guests, lead trash duty or engage and support our students, faculty, and staff to have a positive and meaningful experience. 

HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED HERE?

I joined the university on UTPA’s last year and have been on campus ever since.

DESCRIBE YOUR AVERAGE DAY

No such thing! But the routine looks something like checking in with the staff at the information desk every morning and reviewing the day and doing a quick rundown of events/guests being hosted in our facilities. After that, I walk the building to get a feel for the day and campus rhythm (this helps sort the important tasks from the urgent ones). Office work follows with periodic checks on our spaces/guests and student staff. Around lunch, you can find me at the ESTUN Commons & Food Court; I finish the day by welcoming the afternoon team as we get ready for the following day.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE JOB?
Working with students and supporting their journey into adulthood.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE MEMORY, OR STORY, ABOUT YOUR TIME HERE?
I have a few. Like the time it snowed and everyone at the STUN paused to enjoy that beautiful phenomenon. Then, the time we hosted a buffalo for the renaming of the ESTUN PlainsCapital Bank Theater. There are many Zoom jokes, fun and tender moments from 2020. October and our annual team costume photo (which includes honorary members Krystal Marroquin and Jesus Buitron). Every fall is full of little jewels and, every spring, heartfelt farewells.

TELL US SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU
I love “snail mail.” I send postcards and greeting cards often and like to match stamps to the occasion. It makes the correspondence more festive!

WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE UTRGV COMMUNITY?
A fun one, very orange and collaborative! Collectively, as professionals, we spend many hours at our place of employment. I am fortunate to be in a thriving and vibrant community full of heart. I believe and enjoy what we do. That’s why as a family we participate in tailgating and athletics events, experience UTRGV arts, and volunteer when extra support is needed. This is our village, and we are invested in its success.