Q: How long have you worked at Rice?
A: Nearly two years.
Q: What is your favorite part about working for the university?
A: Getting to work with incredible people like the coaches, staff, campus colleagues and student-athletes who challenge and motivate me to be my best.
Q: What do you want people to know about living in Houston?
A: From food to entertainment to social activities, there’s something for everyone. Watch out for the traffic, though.
Q: What do you do in your downtime?
A: Spend time with my wife and daughters and watch sports.
Q: What’s your favorite spot on campus to show someone?
A: Lovett Hall. It’s such an impressive entrance into campus.
Q: What’s the most exciting time of year for you as it relates to Rice?
A: When all of the students arrive on campus in the fall. You can’t beat the energy around campus.
Q: What’s the one thing that makes Rice special to you?
A: The pursuit of excellence that happens every day. Every school boasts of their accomplishments and excellence, but Rice truly lives it every day.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A: I love working in athletics and being around sports, but the people are what make it special. Working with great people, serving our incredible student-athletes and seeing my girls interact with them bring happiness that very few jobs can offer.
Q: What are your most memorable accomplishments?
A: Personally, marrying my high school sweetheart and raising two incredible girls with her. Professionally, every school I’ve been to has provided incredible memories like national and conference championships, lifelong friendships and a few honors and awards. The coolest memory I have, though, is of my brother doing the flyover for our season opener at Clemson in 2019. He flies A-10s in the Air Force, and I got to talk him in over the radio while he led the flyover.
Q: What advice would you give to new employees?
A: Jump in with both feet. Embrace the people and the opportunities at Rice. You won’t be disappointed.
Q: Would you share a bit about your background and career journey?
A: I grew up in College Station and went to Texas A&M. After graduating and earning my CPA, I worked in international tax at Deloitte. I made the move to athletics two years later when I started at the University of Texas. From there, I moved to Clemson University and Mississippi State University before coming back to the great state of Texas.
Q: What’s your favorite lunch spot or snack?
A: Island Grill in Rice Village.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
A: It’s hard to limit it to just one. Don’t worry about what’s next or advancing quickly. If you work hard at your current role and enjoy the moment, good opportunities will present themselves at the right time.
Q: How would you describe your experience as a Rice employee?
A: I have loved it. I get to work with great people and incredible student-athletes every day.
Q: Where do you see Rice in 25 years?
A: I have no doubt that Rice will still be a leader in research and innovation with more satellite locations around the world, but I believe that we also have the opportunity to have great success athletically as well. That success will help increase the overall brand of the university and cement Rice as an elite university in all areas.
Q: What’s your favorite memory from your time with Rice?
A: Our annual scholar-athlete banquet where our top student-athlete from each team honors a professor of their choice and speaks about their experience at Rice. It is absolutely amazing to hear.
Q: Describe Rice in four words or less.
A: Excellence, collaborative, intelligence, inspiring.