Faculty Spotlight: Interview Questions with MAU Instructor Dr. Andrew Gottlieb


Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Andrew Gottlieb

Millennia Atlantic University would like to showcase our devoted faculty members, especially since it’s their dedication to academics that inspires our students to excel academically and succeed professionally.

Dr. Andrew Gottlieb is an instructor at Millennia Atlantic University (MAU) that teaches courses in: Organizations Leadership, Political Science and American History.  In addition to teaching, Dr. Gottlieb is a board member for the museum systems of Florida International University, as well as the curator for the Hollander Collection, an educational non-profit 501c3 organization. He has travelled extensively throughout the Middle East, Europe, the United States and Latin America, acquiring ritual and secular Jewish artifacts, each chosen for its role in retelling the story of the Jewish community. Many of these pieces are currently on display in several different venues throughout South Florida.

Enjoy getting to know Dr. Andrew Gottlieb, a dedicated educator.


Can you tell us a little bit about your background, and what drew you to teaching at MAU?

I am native of Washington, D.C., and of Jerusalem, Israel. I began my studies at the New College of Florida, where I graduated with a BA in Literature, and then attended Florida International University where I attained an MA in International Relations.  I continued my studies and received my PhD in Political Sociology from the Union Institute & University.

I have greatly enjoyed my tenure at MAU, as it has provided me the opportunity to serve a very large immigrant/international community in my home–Doral. Much of my research has centered on a phenomenon known as the “American Gene,” which is a genetic predisposition noted in the Human Genome Project. The nature of the “American Gene” describes those few individuals who, facing a difficult situation, are willing to sacrifice the familiarity of home, language, friends, family, and culture, to seek opportunities in the far and away unknown. Although Americans come from the world over, biologists tell us that the common denominator is that we represent those brave few who are willing to leave the familiar in order to realize their ambitions. No group better characterizes the successes of the “American Gene” than the students of our MAU community.

What professional accomplishments are you most proud of?

My instructional focus includes political and organizational leadership, as well as the role of ethnic identity in this realm. Beyond my teaching assignments at Millennia Atlantic University, I am a board member for the museum systems of Florida International University, as well as the curator for the Hollander Collection, an educational non-profit 501c3 organization. I have conducted research extensively throughout the Middle East, Europe, the United States and Latin America, acquiring rich data regarding ethnicity and its political connections. Many historical artifacts collected as these research projects were realized are currently on display, including: The Lower East Side of New York (1880s-1920s), the Jewish-Cuban Experience in South Florida, Jews in American Politics, and The Jews of Persia Before 1935.

What is your favorite motivational or inspirational quote?

“The two most important days of your life are the day you were born, and the day you found out why.” ~Mark Twain