Maria Amado stands about 5’6.” She wears a modest yellow dress and speaks softly, but in her short time at Guilford Amado has helped to rebuild a once-floundering department.As a professor of sociology and anthropology, Amado has become one of the most popular professors in her department. Amado’s Racial and Ethnic Relations class has gone three students above the class capacity of 25. Considering the recent losses in the SOAN department, her timing couldn’t be better.
The SOAN department was in a state of flux after losing half of its faculty members following the 2000-2001 school year. Department head Edwins Laban Gwako went in search of a Latin American professor who offered a package of the qualities needed to be a member of the SOAN department.
Amado won the job over 72 other applicants after she conducted a class interview that Gwako said was outstanding. According to Gwako, Amado was a “perfect match,” and the only applicant to be given a consensus of positive evaluations from students and faculty.
When told of Gwako’s comments, Amado merely said that she was flattered and very satisfied with her interview performance. As for the challenge of helping to rebuild the SOAN department, Amado said that she sees the task as challenging but stimulating. Amado also said that the department has much potential.
Amado’s responses should be of no surprise considering the Panama native is no stranger to adversity. She was still in Panama in 1989 when the U.S. invaded the country in search of General Manuel Noriega, the former dictator of Panama. Amado witnessed people being killed and losing their homes during the invasion.
Amado says that she is more than happy to be at Guilford due to our “strong sense of commitment to the issues.”
Many people are enthused by Amado’s presence at Guilford a. According to Janet Wright, Archdale secretary, “her energy and enthusiasm for the job are a refreshing addition to the department.”