Class Of 2021 Alumna Spotlight: Raquel Muniz

Raquel Muniz will graduate with a Doctorate of Education from NSU this May. As a deaf student, she has overcome many obstacles and continues to lead by example.

Raquel Muniz began pursuing her Doctorate of Education in Higher Education Leadership from the Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice (FCE&SCJ) in 2012.

As a deaf student, who also cared for her aging maternal aunt, and is a mother of four wonderful children, Raquel has faced unique challenges. However, through faith and perseverance, Raquel managed to earn her degree and will graduate Summer 2021 from Nova Southeastern University (NSU).

Being a learner with a severe hearing disability, while also balancing a busy home life, Raquel’s successful graduation is the culmination of nine years of blood, sweat, and tears.

She continues to prove that her obstacles do not define her, but rather show how strong and determined she really is. Raquel’s experiences taught her to focus on helping others overcome their own challenges and barriers.

As she continues her career path, she is keen on leadership and empathy, and shares that it’s her way of honoring those who have helped her along the way.

Raquel is very grateful to all the professors at NSU, her Chair, Dr. Packer-Muti, Professor Dr. Reeves, her Academic Advisor, Dr. Stevens, and the committee members who were instrumental in ensuring that students, like Raquel, receive the necessary help and support required to reach their academic potential.

Raquel appreciated the support that students receive through facilities such as the CART captioning system, note taking, and ASL interpreters.

Congratulations to Raquel and all NSU 2021 graduates on accomplishing this amazing milestone! You have been given the power to unlock the potential not only for yourselves, but for the people you are going to serve.

Fins Up to each of you!