Jarrod Cruz-Stipsits loved college so much he said he never wanted to leave. And he hasn’t.
The 36-year-old Gainesville resident who has studied and worked in academia for years will now fill another role advocating for cultural arts citywide.
On Monday, Cruz-Stipsits was appointed to the Gainesville-Alachua County Cultural Affairs Board. He will begin his new responsibilities Aug. 28.
The board, composed of volunteers, advises the city and county commissions on policies and airs concerns relating to cultural activities.
Cruz-Stipsits currently works as the director of intercultural engagement UF Multicultural & Diversity Affairs.
Interest in the arts, however, isn’t new for Cruz-Stipsits.
During his undergraduate years at University of Tennessee, he studied music education and composition. He is also a professional trumpet player in a Latin band based in northwest Florida called “La Orquesta Tropical.”
“Anything arts-related, I’ve always had a passion about,” he said.
Cruz-Stipsits recalled feeling “thrilled” when he learned his application for the position had been chosen, especially because the job involves attending arts and cultural events, which he said he does in his spare time anyway.
Cruz-Stipsits said he aims to engage students in the cultural arts programs.
“I am most excited about making connections with the people — the City of Gainesville — getting to know more intimately the cultural arts community and how we can help enhance and move it forward,” he said.
Russell Etling, the city’s cultural affairs programs coordinator, said Cruz-Stipsits will bring an understanding of the diversity and needs of the whole community to the board.
“His enthusiasm and appreciation of all things cultural are a great asset,” he said.
Jarrod Cruz-Stipsits, director of intercultural engagement for UF Multicultural & Diversity Affairs, poses in his current office in Peabody Hall on Wednesday afternoon.
