Q: How long have you worked at Rice?
A: 14 years.
Q: What is your favorite part about working for the university?
A: I love the people and the work I do at Rice.
Q: What do you want people to know about living in Houston?
A: It’s extremely hot and humid in Houston in the summer, but you just have to grin and bear it and get out in it.
Q: What do you do in your downtime?
A: Read, solve puzzles, garden and relax in the pool.
Q: What’s your favorite spot on campus to show someone?
A: I love to show off the azaleas at the front entrance.
Q: What’s the most exciting time of year for you as it relates to Rice?
A: Budget season (February-June) culminating with the budget load at the end of June.
Q: What’s the one thing that makes Rice special to you?
A: The people.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A: Believe it or not it’s getting the budget to balance with all the ins and outs of it.
Q: What are your most memorable accomplishments?
A: Watching all my children grow up. I started out with a ready-made family with two daughters, 10 years later my son and 15 years later the unexpected daughter. My children now range in ages from 56 to 20. I wouldn’t change a thing.
Q: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
A: Reading, gardening and watching Astros baseball. It used to be local theater when my youngest was at home and performing in musicals.
Q: What advice would you give to new employees?
A: Jump right in and get to know your job and the people around you.
Q: Would you share a bit about your background and career journey?
A: I grew up in Austin, Texas. I attended and graduated from Louisiana Tech University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. I started out as a state auditor when I first graduated from college, auditing Texas agencies and universities. This led to being hired at MD Anderson Cancer Center and 23 ½ years of service. Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, I was laid off and found a new home at Rice in the Budget Office.
Q: What’s your favorite lunch spot or snack?
A: Mexican food wherever I can get it.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
A: Stay focused and pray daily.
Q: If you could be Sammy The Owl for a day, what would you do?
A: I would walk around campus greeting people.
Q: How would you describe your experience as a Rice employee?
A: I have thoroughly enjoyed my work and the people I work with. Deadlines are faced and accomplished no matter what goes on.
Q: Where do you see Rice in 25 years?
A: I think it will still be standing with a whole batch of new faces working and attending school here. The way it’s going, it will be bigger too.
Q: What’s your favorite memory from your time with Rice?
A: I have so many fond memories it is hard to isolate just one.
Q: Describe Rice in four words or less.
A: Transformation — it’s happening here.
Q: What else have we not talked about that merits discussion?
A: Always be prepared to change. The next change is just around the corner.