Q: How long have you worked at Rice?
A: 2 1/2 years; it will be 3 years in February 2025.
Q: What is your favorite part about working for the university?
A: As a native Houstonian, I’m honored to be part of the Rice community because of its reputation for excellence. As a professional, I get to carry that beyond the hedges into my community and spread the word about Rice being a great place to learn, develop and grow.
Q: What do you want people to know about living in Houston?
A: There’s more to Houston culture than just good food. Houston has so much that appeals to every generation and many enthusiasts — from food to music to art and city life to country living. Houston offers it all.
Q: What do you do in your downtime?
A: I’m finishing my master’s program in clinical mental health counseling and completing my practicum right now, so I do lots of reading and research in addition to seeing clients and studying for my licensing exams. Wish me luck!
Q: What’s your favorite spot on campus to show someone?
A: The School of Architecture. It is a beautiful and inspiring space, especially with our newest building, the William T. Cannady Hall, and our newly remodeled Welcome Center.
Q: What’s the most exciting time of year for you as it relates to Rice?
A: I love graduation season more than anything. Watching students enjoy the fruit of their labor and congratulate each other and themselves for completing such a rigorous academic program is rewarding.
Q: What’s the one thing that makes Rice special to you?
A: The students. I love how Rice is an environment that encourages students to engage with and use their voices to be agents of change in the world they are helping to shape. Our student body is brilliant and gives me hope for the future.
Q: If you could be Sammy The Owl for a day, what would you do?
A: Hold a press conference and take questions!
Q: How would you describe your experience as a Rice employee?
A: It’s been a good and challenging one, in the best way. I’m learning and growing so much daily here, and I like that. It’s hard to get stuck when you work so closely with students who are at the forefront of our world — I feel privileged to be in that space in the best years of my life.
Q: Where do you see Rice in 25 years?
A: As a world-class, globally influential university that is still very connected to and accessible to the city of Houston.
Q: Describe Rice University in four words or less.
A: The best and brightest.
Q: What else have we not talked about that merits discussion?
A: How beautiful the campus is. In the hustle and bustle commute of a city like Houston, it is nice to drive into the campus and experience the calm and serenity of all these beautiful trees and breathe some clean air every day walking to and from my car — even during the heat of summer I appreciate those beautiful oak trees!