That is the simple mission of Victor Triay, PhD, professor of history at Middlesex Community College—where he puts history in (dramatic) perspective for the many students who enter his classroom. Victor began his long and distinguished career at Miami-Dade Community College in Florida, where he earned an associate degree in psychology—so it’s fitting he chose to build his career from within the community college environment.

He has developed a high-energy, motivated teaching style that aims to make students “walk out of the classroom feeling smarter than when they walked in.” He takes each subject seriously, but understands the need for theater and intrigue when delivering content that can sometimes be heavy. This helped earn him a reputation as a challenging but engaging instructor.

While Victor’s teaching focuses on United States History, Western Civilization, and World History, he has earned a broader reputation as an expert in Cuban history. 

Victor has traveled extensively throughout Western Europe. He studied Spanish Literature and Spanish Art History in Salamanca, Spain, and Italian Language and Italian Art History in Radda-in-Chianti, Italy.

In the summers of 2016 and 2017, he served as the principal investigator for an oral history project centered on members of Brigade 2506 (the invasion force at the Bay of Pigs invasion), whose objective it was to overthrow the dictatorship of Fidel Castro. He completed this task as a visiting scholar with the Cuban Research Institute at Florida International University.

Victor is a member of several associations including Operation Pedro Pan Group, Inc., based in Miami (for which he serves as trustee and a member of its historic committee); the Cuban National Heritage; and the National Association of Cuban American Educators.

At Middlesex Community College, Victor contributes on many levels, having served on countless committees and task force teams that help shape the culture and academic quality at the college. He has worked on MxCC’s accreditation efforts, helped developed honors programs, and served as a mentor in the Minority Fellow program. He has been a tireless lecturer and presenter, representing the school at countless events and meetings throughout the country.

Victor earned a doctorate and master’s degree (both in history) from Florida State University, Tallahassee, and his bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Florida in Gainesville. Prior to joining MxCC, he taught at the Miami Carol City Senior High School and Aucilla Christian Academy, both in Florida.

Source:  Middlesex Community College