Q: How long have you worked at Rice?
A: I have worked in multiple roles at Rice over the course of more than 20 years, and I have been a resident associate for 21 years at three different colleges.
Q: What is your favorite part about working for the university?
A: The mission of the university and the community of people.
Q: What do you want people to know about living in Houston?
A: It is a very diverse city culturally, ethnically and racially, which makes it an amazing place to explore and experience new things.
Q: What’s your favorite spot on campus to show someone?
A: It’s a tie between the academic quad and James Turrell’s “Twilight Epiphany” Skyspace.
Q: What’s the most exciting time of year for you as it relates to Rice?
A: The beginning of the academic year when all the students and faculty return to campus. I love the energy, activity, engagement and optimism associated with each new year.
Q: What’s the one thing that makes Rice special to you?
A: The culture and community, especially around the residential colleges.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A: The potential impact of our work. We’re implementing an enterprise data platform that will be incredibly impactful.
Q: What are your most memorable accomplishments?
A: Putting myself through college — both undergraduate and graduate — while working multiple jobs; having a loving, supportive and long-standing partnership with my spouse; being recognized by the Rice Board of Trustees for creating applications that are still in use on campus 20 years later; and being selected as a resident associate at multiple colleges.
Q: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
A: Music (DJ), traveling, exercising, reading, teaching beer tasting and cooking.
Q: What advice would you give to new employees?
A: Connect with the Rice community by becoming an associate at a residential college; it is a great way to connect and build relationships with people from all aspects of our amazing university.
Q: Would you share a bit about your background and career journey?
A: I’m originally from Providence, Rhode Island. I completed my bachelor’s degree in anthropology at the University of Texas at Austin and my master’s degree in education at the University of Houston. I’ve been in higher education and technology for my entire career.
Q: What’s your favorite lunch spot or snack?
A: Local Foods in Brochstein Pavilion.
Q: What’s your secret talent?
A: Chugging very fast. I’ve been on the Beer Bike chug team at multiple colleges.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
A: Life is too important to take too seriously.
Q: If you could be Sammy The Owl for a day, what would you do?
A: Visit every building on campus and take pictures with everyone.
Q: How would you describe your experience as a Rice employee?
A: I’ve returned to work here three times because I truly believe in what we do and feel at home in this community.
Q: Where do you see Rice in 25 years?
A: More tech-enabled, skill- and mastery-focused and global.
Q: What’s your favorite memory from your time with Rice?
A: Our farewell party at the end of our residential associate team at Sid Rich College. It was organized by the students and lots of alumni and college associates. We had tons of fun; it was a late night.
Q: Describe Rice in four words or less.
A: Overachievers with high expectations.