Crystal Deawna Govan
Administrative Coordinator
"I get to explore local artists and experience the creativity and culture that I think make Tucson special."
Please share a little bit about where you grew up and what brought you to Tucson (if you were raised here, what is something that you enjoy about Tucson?).
I'm a Tucson native! My favorite time of the year is when the 4th Avenue Street Fair and Tucson Meet Yourself roll around because I get to explore local artists and experience the creativity and culture that I think make Tucson special.
How long have you worked at the college or university, and can you share a little bit about your job within the college?
I’ve been part of the University of Arizona community for six years. I started in the College of Fine Arts on the philanthropy team as Assistant to the Executive Director of Development. In that role, I supported the team’s fundraising and development efforts while managing the donor recognition program, donor events, community engagement, and all other administrative and organizational needs. I joined the College of Education in June 2025, where I now support Faculty Affairs by coordinating administrative processes related to faculty promotions, reviews, and faculty-centered events. This allows me the opportunity to work closely with our wonderful Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs, Z Nicolazzo!
"A big part of my role is staying organized and anticipating what’s coming next "
What's one part of your job that people might not realize or understand about what you do daily?
The work is very cyclical. There are a lot of overlapping timelines, deadlines, and details to keep track of. A big part of my role is staying organized and anticipating what’s coming next so I can help keep these processes running smoothly and help support faculty throughout their professional journeys.
What is a memorable experience, interaction, or accomplishment from your time in the Dean's Office that reflects what makes the College of Education special?
My faith influences how I think about caring for people and the importance of treating others with thoughtfulness and compassion. That feels particularly meaningful in Faculty Affairs because so much of the work involves supporting faculty through important processes and milestones in their careers. I try to bring that same care to my work and make sure people feel supported along the way.
Tumamoc Hill – Crystal Govan
"Wandering through the exhibits makes you feel like you've stepped outside of campus for a while."
If there's a favorite place you enjoy on campus and around Tucson, please share what makes it special.
University of Arizona Museum of Art. Wandering through the exhibits makes you feel like you've stepped outside of campus for a while.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love journaling, sewing, dabbling in photography, and watching classic films!
What is a favorite book, streaming series, movie, podcast, or other form of entertainment that you enjoy? What do you like about it?
Any type of obscure, classic, and sometimes eerie film, especially in animation and foreign cinema, really catches my attention. A few of my favorites are Heroic Times (1983), an animated film created from tens of thousands of oil paintings; Kwaidan (1964), a collection of Japanese ghost stories; and Donkey Skin (1970), a surreal fairy-tale film. The visuals and sometimes dreamlike atmosphere make them feel like moving works of art.
Antelope Canyon – Crystal Govan