UF Center for Latin American Studies
MA Latin American Studies, 1996
December 12, 2023
In addition to the MALAS degree, Larissa Ruiz Baía also earned a doctorate in Political Science from the University of Florida. She has over 20 years of higher education experience, both as administrator and instructor. Additionally, Dr. Baía serves on the boards of the Ybor City Chamber of Commerce and the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County. Some of her professional interests are in the areas of student success, equity and inclusion, workforce pathways, adult learners and immigrant and refugee advocacy.
What is your current position?
I currently serve as the Campus President for the Ybor City Campus of Hillsborough Community College.
What motivated you to pursue a MALAS degree?
I began taking classes as an undergraduate in Latin American Studies and completed a minor. Those classes sparked my interest in continuing my studies in the field which led me to seek Master's programs. I was lucky enough to be accepted into various Master's programs and UF offered me a graduate assistantship which enabled me to attend graduate school.
How does your MALAS degree help you in your job today? How has it informed your career?
While I don't work in a work directly involved with Latin American studies, my MALAS degree exposed me to the value of qualitative primary source research. The experiences of having to conduct one's own research not only meant that you gained skills in different research methodologies, but also I gained a respect for the importance of immersion in a context different to yours. Those are all skills I have used in one way or another, both as faculty and as an administrator.
What was the most valuable part of your MALAS experience?
The most valuable part of my experience were the relationships I was able to build with colleagues and faculty. I was able to complete a doctoral program, which wasn't in my plans when I first arrived at UF, because of faculty who saw potential in me and encouraged me.
What advice would you give students as they pursue their MALAS degree and/or graduate with a MALAS degree?
Sometimes a graduate degree within the Arts and Sciences can be viewed as undefined and thus be considered to be a privilege only for those who can afford it. In my case, it was the MALAS degree that opened doors that I didn't imagine existed for me. The MALAS program was academically rigorous but led by faculty who believed that their students' success was their success. That combination resulted in a a newly found confidence for me that has propelled the rest of my career. I am very grateful and proud to be a MALAS alum.
