Staff Spotlight: Mr. Edgar LaMotte

When Mr. Edgar LaMotte was younger, he often traveled from his native Panama to the United States to visit family. He decided to attend college in America and chose Augusta State in 1995 and pursued a communications degree, which he received in 2000.

“My purpose in coming to the States was to go to ASU,” he says. “I truly believe in education, and I like the university. I like the environment, and the people here treat you more like a friend than an employee.”

Mr. LaMotte, now an educational technology specialist in Media Services, was particularly impressed with ASU’s president.

“When I first came here in ’95, I met President Bloodworth,” he says. “Two months later, I saw him in the hallway, and he called me by my first name. He remembered my name, that I was from Panama, and that my mother used to be the dean of the nursing department at the University of Panama. I was so impressed. He really cares, and he’s really genuine.”

As a student at ASU, Mr. LaMotte also wanted to work on campus. He became a student assistant in Media Services, and two years after he graduated, when a position became open, he decided to come back and work there.

“I love helping students,” he explains. “I like to answer their questions, and I like to sit down and explain things to people. I’ve taught several students how to use PowerPoint, and after they’ve used it in the classroom, they’ll come back and thank me. That’s rewarding.”

But showing students how to use PowerPoint isn’t the only way he helps them. Mr. LaMotte is a fluent Spanish speaker, and he often coaches students in the language.

“I’m a self-appointed Spanish teacher,” he laughs. “A lot of students know that I speak Spanish so they’ll come to Media Services for help. I tell them that if they don’t get at least a B in class though, I won’t help them again.”

Currently, Mr. LaMotte is pursuing a master’s degree in public administration at ASU. In his spare time, he enjoys playing basketball, watching the Discovery and History Channels, and salsa dancing with his wife, Lasheika.

“I love salsa music,” he says. “I love the Caribbean beats. That’s my roots.”

Who: Mr. Edgar LaMotte

Position: Educational technology specialist in Media Services

How long at ASU?: Three years

What do you like doing on the weekends?: “Well, I’ve been going to a lot of barbecues lately. I have a friend who just loves to barbecue.”

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