Pasco-Hernando State College Volume XIII, Issue I - Spring 2019 | Page 25

Q: WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEANINGFUL PERSONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT? A: My son, Kiran. And I can claim only half of the credit. He is a true gentleman and a genius with a brilliant mind and a beautiful heart. He has received many national recognitions by age 42, including recognition at the White House. He is also a cardiologist, pursuing leading edge genetic research to discover novel ways of treating and preventing diseases, including working on a vaccine for heart disease—the number one, worldwide killer of humans. His mentors tell me that he is Nobel Prize material, and I know he will make Pasco proud. Q: DO YOU BELIEVE IN GOD? A: Yes. Faith is very important for a peaceful life. Q: YOU ARE A FREQUENT COLUMNIST IN THE TAMPA BAY TIMES AND ENJOY WRITING. HOW DID YOU FIND TIME TO DEVELOP PROFESSIONAL WRITING SKILLS? A: Like learning, writing came naturally to me. My poetry was published when I was in college and medical school. English is my third language, but adapting to languages also came to me naturally. Q: YOU HAVE SERVED AS A PHSC TRUSTEE SINCE 1999, RECEIVING A NATIONAL AWARD FOR YOUR INNOVATIVE LEADERSHIP. YOU ARE ALSO A GENEROUS PHSC FOUNDATION DONOR. WHAT IS YOUR MOTIVATION TO SERVE? A: Just like my grandmother, I believe in higher education. Without it, I would not be what I am today, and nobody would be reading this interview. The future of any country depends on the education of its youth. My interest in serving and supporting higher education and worthwhile causes is partly selfish. Happiness in helping others is addictive. Recognition is last on the list. Prestigious award from the Association of Community College Trustees in 2013, recognizing Dr. Musunuru for exemplary leadership. SPRING 2019 25