Welcome College of Education Community!
Welcome to the Staff Spotlight, where we celebrate the amazing people who make our college such a vibrant and supportive community. Each month, we’ll feature a dedicated staff member, sharing what inspires them and how they help our college thrive. Be sure to revisit the Staff Spotlight to meet more of the remarkable individuals whose stories remind us why our college is such a special place.
This month, the College of Education features Liz Piña-Figueroa, Manager of Administrative Services in DPS, in our Staff Spotlight. Originally from Mexico City and a longtime Tucson resident, Liz has been a valued member of the University of Arizona community since 2005. Learn more about her journey, what she enjoys most about supporting faculty and students, and her favorite ways to spend time in Tucson.
Liz Pina-Figueroa
Liz Piña-Figueroa
Manager of Administrative Services (DPS)
"I love Tucson’s mountains, especially at sunset."
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 was born in Mexico City, but I have lived in Tucson for almost 36 years, so I’m practically a Tucsonan. I came to Tucson to learn English through ESL classes and attend college. One of the things I love most about Tucson is the mountains especially at sunset.
How long have you worked at the college or university, and can you share a little bit about your job within the college?
I began working at the University of Arizona in 2005 as an office assistant in the Department of SERSP (Special Education, Rehabilitation, and School Psychology), now DPS. As you can probably tell, I truly love my job! I have the opportunity to work with wonderful people and support faculty and students every day.
The wonderful women of the Business Office, Eryn McKinley, Izzy Madril, and Brooke Moreno, at the Annual WACUBO Business Institute in Santa Barbara, California. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to attend this enriching professional development experience, made possible through the support of my department head, Dr. Jina Yoon.
"Making sure that faculty and students are taken care of is a big part of my role"
What's one part of your job that people might not realize or understand about what you do daily?
A big part of my role is making sure that faculty and students are taken care of and receive the support they need in a timely manner. Over the years, my work has been shaped by the need of my programs, which has required me to be adaptable and focused on providing support in the most efficient and practical way possible.
If there's a favorite place you enjoy on campus and around Tucson, please share what makes it special.
Tucson has so many great spots, but one of my favorite things to do is bike around The Loop. I also enjoy trying local restaurants and breweries, especially places that have live music.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy observing things, especially at night. I love looking at the stars through my telescope or viewing the mountains with my binoculars. I also enjoy sewing, playing pickleball, and trying new food recipes.
Liz Piña-Figueroa with her family and friends at the Loop
