How long have you been at Hofstra?
15 years

Academic specialty?
Community Media, Radio production and studies, Journalism, Latin American politics, U.S. policy in Latin America

Major publications/accomplishments:

• Murillo, M.A., (2005). Colombia y los Estados Unidos: Guerra, Inquietud y Desestabilización. Madrid, Spain: Editorial Popular.
• Murillo, M.A., (2004). Colombia and the United States: War, Unrest and Destabilization, New York: Seven Stories.
• Murillo, M.A., (2001). Islands of Resistance: Puerto Rico, Vieques and U.S. Policy. New York: Seven Stories.
• Fulbright Scholar, 2008-2009: Recipient of a Fulbright Research and Teaching Fellowship in Colombia for 2008-2009; in conjunction with La Universidad Pontificia La Javeriana and the Association of Indigenous Councils of Northern Cauca, ACIN (see teaching experience, above).; Recipient of a 2005 “El” Award from El Diario/La Prensa, in recognition of outstanding contributions to the Latino community in the New York tri-state area, awarded annually by the editorial board and staff of one of the largest Spanish-language daily newspapers in the country.

Interesting hobbies?
 Cycling, hiking, skiing, tennis.

Why did you go into your field?
Since I was in high school, living in South America, I have been interested in politics, global issues, and the U.S. role in the world. I also always enjoyed writing and telling stories. Journalism, and in particular, radio reporting, seemed to be the perfect fit for me from very early on because it is such a personal medium to communicate ideas. I’ve been in one way, shape or form doing this kind of work now for over 25 years.

Why do you like to teach?
I love to share, and what better thing to share than time and knowledge...every time I teach, I also learn something new.

Favorite campus activity:
Drinking espresso at the Café on the Quad

Why?
I love my two-shot after lunch!

Favorite class to teach:
Media and Journalism Traditions in Latin America (LACS 110)

Why?
Because I get to combine my own research in Latin America with my deep interests in the role journalism and media in general play in fostering democratic participation and civic engagement, within the context of a part of the world where I can trace my roots.

 

Why do you like to teach?
I love to share, and what better thing to share than time and knowledge. Not to mention the fact that every time I teach, I also learn something new.

Favorite thing about NY/Long Island region: 
The tremendous diversity, culturally, socially, geographically of the NY metro area. It’ll always be home for me, no matter where I find myself in the world.

Favorite campus eatery:
I prefer eating at the Pupuseria on Fulton Avenue just off California Avenue. Nothing better!

Favorite campus spot: 
Walking across the main Unispan!

What do you hope your students learn from you?
How to be compassionate, open-minded citizens of an ever-changing world. Regardless of the subject, I hope students keep their minds wide open.

What general advice about college would you give students?
Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way, it goes by way too quickly!

What general advice about life would you give students?
Spread love, always. It’s the best remedy for any ailment and more fun than anything you can buy.

Best Hofstra memory:
The Community Debate Watch held at the Monroe Lecture Hall on October 16th, sponsored by the Center for Civic Engagement, which brought together local residents from the community to watch the Presidential debate and speak out about the issues that neither major candidate was addressing during the campaign. It was probably the most diverse group of people I have ever seen assembled in one place at Hofstra in the many years I’ve been here.

What do you take the most “Pride” in?
Being a father.

What have you found as your “Purpose”?
To make even a little difference in the lives of the people I interact with on a regular basis.