Marigene serves as the interim Director of Costa Rica Programs and Operations. She oversees the academic programming, logistics, and operations of the Finca de Samford, Samford’s residential student study center in Costa Rica.

Prior to serving as the interim Director, Marigene was Assistant Professor Emerita of Spanish. She joined the Samford faculty in 2005 and served in various roles, including the World Languages and Cultures department and the Global Engagement Office, preparing students for long-term, intensive study abroad courses.

Marigene is a graduate of Samford University (1980) with a B.A. in Spanish and English. She also holds an M.A. in Spanish from Vanderbilt University (1984) and an Ed.D. from the Graduate Theological Foundation (2012). Before coming to Samford in 2005, she served approximately 20 years with the General Board of Discipleship of The United Methodist Church developing leaders and curriculum for Hispanic/Latino ministries. She is also a Qualified Administrator of the Intercultural Development Inventory(c) since 2008.