Having recently retired from her faculty role after 38 years, Andreu reflected on her passion for literature, a mentor who profoundly impacted her teaching, and how St. Augustine became a consequential place in her life journey.
“I am not retiring from teaching,” Andreu joked. “I'm retiring from grading.”
Andreu holds three degrees from Florida State University (FSU), including her Ph.D. in American literature. During a long tenure at Flagler, she’s taught courses ranging from composition, creative writing, and American literature. Viewing literature as more than merely a subject to instruct, she believes in its power to elicit empathy and create a deeper understanding of history.
"These narratives tell our story, they offer us opportunities, they help us think about choices we can make in the future,” she said. “Speculative fiction, for example, is so important and so exciting."
Andreu, the eldest of her siblings, grew up in a rural area of Orange Park, Florida. She fondly recalls the woods they used to play in and how it felt as a child when the enchantment of the Florida forest was only rivaled by the magical allure of books.
“Books were my companions because we didn’t have a lot of other kids in the area,” she said. “I always knew I loved books even before the time I could read.”
An early love of books was foundational to Andreu’s success as a writer and mentor in the classroom. Until this semester, Andreu was one of the College’s earliest remaining professors.
She’s described by many in the Flagler community as one of the most humble and positive people you’ve ever met. Decades’ worth of glowing “Rate My Professor” remarks by former students would suggest the same.
“I only have the best things to say about Dr. Andreu,” a student wrote last spring. “She is so kind and loves what she does. She cares greatly for her students and builds personal connections with them. She is readily available if you need any help and she always offers feedback.”
Reflections from some of her earliest students, like alumna Margo Thomas (‘06), underscore Andreu’s natural talent for mentorship and literary instruction.
“I studied poetry and short story writing with Darien, and she was like a spark to dry tinder,” Thomas remarked. “I never really understood the power of words and self-expression until getting her thoughtful notes—gently challenging and nudging me to be more clear, more honest. It’s vulnerable and frightening to write like that, but under Darien’s care and encouragement, I eventually felt unburdened of that self-doubt.”
Despite this quick success in the classroom, Andreu recalls being filled with both excitement and self-doubt when she first joined the college as a professor. At that point, she’d only earned her master’s degree from FSU, concentrating in creative writing, and had spent just three years teaching as a graduate assistant.
Andreu was in awe of the “master teachers” she encountered at Flagler, who to her seemed simultaneously intimidating and inspiring.
“When I first came here,” she said, “I thought, ‘My God, everyone is a master teacher.’ They knew their discipline so well, the best approaches to teach it, and how to mentor students.”
Perhaps without realizing it, Andreu is seen as equally impressive in the eyes of her former students and fellow faculty.
“I still have a folder of her writing notes, and little poems she gave to me that she thought I would like,” Thomas said. “I don’t know if any other professor at Flagler had more of an impact on me, and I’ll be forever grateful.”
She may believe she’s never taught a perfect class, but when asked, “Have you ever attended a perfect class?”
She confidently replied, “Yes. Tons of them.”
Certainly quite a few by her late mentor, Jerry Stern, during her studies at FSU, under whom she earned her degree in fiction writing. Andreu is grateful for his significant influence on her teaching philosophy and style. His workshops offering detailed and compassionate feedback left a lasting impression.
"He was like a marvelous car mechanic,” she said. “He would study your manuscript to see which pistons were working and which weren’t. But he wouldn’t just say, ‘Those are faulty.’ He would suggest ways to tinker with them."
Andreu said she carried this active teaching approach she gained from Stern into her mentorship at Flagler, prioritizing detailed feedback and office conferences.
“Jerry was always looking for opportunities for his students, always looking to help us become the writers we wanted to be,” she said. “It was so rewarding to have that kind of mentorship. And when I first came and interviewed at Flagler, I realized this is the kind of institution where that can happen.”
Andreu's journey at Flagler College is not just a professional story; it's a deeply personal one. After joining the faculty following roles in journalism and public relations, she found herself anchored by the college's compassionate community and its rich history. But it was meeting the late Robin King, a Flagler philosophy professor, that truly transformed her experience.
Their love story began at Flagler, blossoming into a marriage that spanned two decades. Robin, known for his profound insights and dynamic teaching, complemented Darien's vibrant passion for literature and writing. Together, they fostered a nurturing environment for their students, creating a strong sense of community.
“I fell in love with Robin, and I didn't want to leave Flagler,” Andreu said, reflecting on how their relationship influenced her draw to the College.
“I've kept my surname because it's a local Minorcan name, and Robin was so progressive. Before we married, he said, ‘I should probably take your last name!’” Andreu recalled with a smile.
King's battle with brain cancer showcased his incredible resilience. Despite his illness, he remained a source of admiration, never letting his condition overshadow his love for life and teaching.
Darien stayed nearby to complete her Ph.D. at FSU, with the guidance of Dr. Joe McElrath, an FSU professor, whose wife had also been diagnosed with cancer.
Darien has been fortunate to remarry long-time friend, historian David Nolan.
His support for Darien's initiatives, especially her efforts to preserve Minorcan heritage, have further strengthened their bond. “David’s work to save the Ancient City’s architectural gems, like the Bridge of Lions, and to unearth and uplift St. Augustine’s Civil Rights story, is a daily gift to St. Augustine,” she said.
In 2021, Andreu initiated the Minorcan Studies Project to highlight Minorcan heritage in St. Augustine. This project includes a digital repository and events to promote Minorcan culture. Her efforts have been celebrated with several awards, including the Recognizing Outstanding Women in the Arts award for preserving Minorcan heritage and culture in St. Augustine.
Andreu’s empathy, kindness, and generosity have also been recognized by several organizations at Flagler over the years. For example, the Student Government Association awarded her the Teacher of the Year distinction, acknowledging her exceptional teaching and mentorship. Additionally, Phi Alpha Omega honored her twice as Woman of the Year, celebrating her impactful presence and contributions to the college community.
“I am energized by the joy of being part of establishing, building, cultivating, and contributing to experiences worthy of the architectural beauty we inhabit,” Andreu said about her work.
As she transitions into retirement, Andreu plans to focus on her writing projects, including research on Minorcans and personal writing that continue to explore and preserve the rich heritage of St. Augustine.
“Life is so brief, so short,” she said, reflecting on her responsibility as a writer. “I hope whatever I publish will be worthy of someone’s time.”
