Dr. Cindy Kirk, Executive Director, Metro Programs
Samford University
Address: 800 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham , AL 35229
Phone: 205-726-2898
Fax: 205-726-2191
E-mail: cfkirk@samford.edu
Website: www.samford.edu/metro
Company/Organization Brief Mission: We provide access to quality undergraduate degree programs and professional and personal development courses to adults in the community.
Job description: I am responsible for planning, marketing, implementing and assessing credit and noncredit educational programs to meet the ever-changing lifelong learning needs of our community.
Length of service: I have been at Samford University for just over 7 years and I was at UAB for 17 years prior to that time.
Education: Ph.D. from UAB, M.A. from the University of Iowa, B.A. from Luther College, and MLE (Management of Lifelong Learning) from Harvard University.
Family: Children: Brian (22) and Libby (18).
Personal Business Philosophy: Do unto others… I find it helpful to try to see things from multiple points of view. Seeing a situation from the other person's point of view can aid communication.
Favorite Quote: "You must be the change you wish to see in the world" - Mahatma Gandhi
Advice to women in business: You can do anything you set your mind to do. Don't let things overwhelm you---take joy in small steps! Also, trust your intuition!
Best advice ever received: "Be yourself!"
Secret to surviving in business: I try to keep a sense of humor and not take myself too seriously!
Your strongest inspiration: My mom and my children.
What being in business has taught you: There is a lot I don't know. It is great fun and wonderfully rewarding to keep learning and growing.
Secret to dealing with employees: Try to find the resources they need to do what they want to do and stay out of the way!
Special comments: For many years I have worked with women who return to college for any number of reasons. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing women find their own voices and become more knowledgeable, confident, and self-assured. I know they are empowered to make a positive difference in their families, workplaces and in our community.
