The Elizabeth “Liz” Moya Endowed Memorial Scholarship has been established to honor the life and legacy of Elizabeth “Liz” Moya – a Reubin O’D. Askew School of Public Administration and Policy alumna.
After graduating from Florida State University with her Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree in just two short years, Moya had a fulfilling career in public service. Liz served in multiple roles in the Florida State Legislature, including the House Rules Committee, Senate Majority Office, and Senate President’s Office. She later served as Director of Legislative Affairs for the Florida Office of Early Learning and the Florida Department of Education. Moya went on to serve as Assistant Vice Chancellor of Articulation & Career Education Policy and Director of Legislative Affairs & Social Projects at the Florida Department of Education.
Outside of her successful professional career, Liz was loved by many, including her mother, husband, and three children.
Beyond her immediate family, Liz Moya touched so many, including past and present Florida State University College of Medicine students. After beginning her battle with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 2008, Moya remained passionate about her efforts to help others and teach the next generation. She volunteered as a guest speaker in FSU’s second-year neuroscience classes, sharing her experiences as a patient living with MS and inspiring the next generation of medical professionals. She helped students understand the importance of treating a patient and not just a disease.
Last Fall, in her sixth and final year of speaking with medical students, Moya shared her diagnosis of breast cancer and pulmonary fibrosis. The combination claimed her life on February 21, 2023, one day after her 42nd birthday.
Liz’s husband, Chris Moya, has set up a memorial scholarship fund to honor her everlasting legacy in the public administration field. The scholarship is intended to support a Public Administration student who has interned or will be interning in the Florida Capitol or the Florida Department of Education.
“The foundation is a testament to the memory of Liz and the impact education had on her, as well as her dedication to remain in public service her entire career,” said Mr. Moya. “It is said that people die twice. When they pass away, and a second time when the last person says their name for the last time. A perpetual scholarship will ensure her name remains spoken in the halls of the capitol and FSU for decades to come.”
For those interested in contributing to the scholarship fund, please mail your gift to the FSU Foundation and reference the Elizabeth “Liz” Moya Endowed Memorial Scholarship or make an online gift at bit.ly/FSU-Moya-Scholarship.