Betty Surman came to Florida Atlantic University in 1976. FAU's doors had been open for just 12 years and intercollegiate competition was a vision that would come to fruition in 1981 providing an opportunity for Surman, who was a sports enthusiast.

Surman served as the department's first secretary moving from the Student Government office in 1979. She has worked with five different athletic directors and has witness the program's growth from NAIA to NCAA Division II, to Division I and to conference affiliation.

The department she helped to develop now encompasses five buildings, numerous competition fields, and 17 sports. The Southern Illinois Physical Education major has worked with all aspects of the growing department, from day-to-day secretarial duties, to working one-on-one with the student athletes. Over the years she has moved into an Office Assistant position, under the supervision of the Associate AD for Business Affairs.

Surman, who moved to Florida in 1971, relocated to Boca Raton in 1973, and is married to William "Jack" Surman, Jr. whom she met at SIUC. Jack is a partner at James and Surman, CPA. Betty is a member of the South Florida Depression Era Glass Club, The Gold Coast Quilter's Guild, FAU Owl Club, and FAU Aids Committee.