Bio
Mario L. Vazquez was born in Puerto Rico and grew up in the island's central region in Cidra. After graduating high school, he moved to the United States and became a postal worker in the U.S. Postal Service in Stratford, Connecticut. He served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Fort Hood, Texas. Mario has been interested in art since he was young and developed a passion for photography. His father was an electronic technician and an amateur photographer, and his mother was a teacher and nurse. Two inherited talents passed on by his parents.
Mario L. Vazquez completed his associate degree at Central Texas College in Killeen, Texas, while serving in the military. After completing his military service, he moved to Connecticut and received a bachelor’s and master’s degree in art education from Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, Connecticut. His passion for travel and learning led him to study abroad in Italy to learn more about master painters and the art world. Mario became a teacher and enjoyed sharing his knowledge with students of all ages. He obtained a Specialist in Education degree from Barry University in Miami, Florida, and a doctoral degree from Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Florida. Mario has taught art in public schools and college-level students for over two decades. He resides in Florida, where he enjoys nature, travel, and photography.
Mario L. Vazquez has been in public service for 30 years and is a lifelong learner, promotes literacy, and is a library advocate. He believes in the importance of preschool education until college level, high-quality tutoring, summer school, remedial education, bilingual education, and providing educational access to all students with accessibility barriers. Additionally, Mario advocates for educational excellence for the underserved and student's participation in extra-curricular educational opportunities related to the Arts and Humanities. He strongly believes in affordable educational access for all students' post-secondary education and workforce training in all career fields. Mario believes a quality education matters in our world's diverse and eclectic quilt of cultures.
Honors and Awards
Mario L. Vazquez has received many honors and awards, including:
Nominated - Adjunct Professor of the Year, 2022
Advising Customer Service Award, 2021
Dissertation of Distinction Award, 2017
Teacher of the Year Award, 2015
Contributions to the Community, Miami-Dade County, 2014
U.S. Congressional Recognition, 2012
Ambassador Jean Wilkowski International Fellowship, 2006
Most Dependable Teacher, 2005
Rookie Teacher of the Year, 2003
Army Achievement Medal, US Army, 1999
Exhibitions
The South Art Gallery, 2018
William I Noble Art Gallery, 2015
Literary Feast, Bailey Hall, 2011
Southern Connecticut State Art Gallery, 2003
Senior Home for the Elderly, 2002
University of Urbino, 2001
Podcast
The Scholar Mindset on Apple Podcast
The Scholar Mindset on Spotify
Social media
“Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.”
Cover image: Main Reading Room, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. - Photo taken by Mario L. Vazquez