Q: How long have you worked at Rice?
A: 25 years
Q: What is your favorite part about working for the university?
A: It’s definitely supporting the diverse departments and amazing people across the campus. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to connect with different teams, making my job both exciting and rewarding.
Q: What do you want people to know about living in Houston?
A: Houston is a vibrant city with a rich, diverse culture. Yes, the weather can be hot and humid, and the traffic can be a challenge, especially when it rains. It is also a sports fan’s paradise and a foodie’s dream come true. Just a heads-up, though — we’re pretty full, so bring your patience and your appetite.
Q: What do you do in your downtime?
A: I spend my downtime with my husband of 29 years, visiting with my best friends from seventh grade or my BFF from Rice. I am also a licensed/ordained elder in my local church.
Q: What’s your favorite spot on campus to show someone?
A: If I have to pick just one spot on campus, which is tough for a facilities person because there are so many great ones, I’d choose Entrance 3. It’s especially stunning when the flowers are in bloom. And of course, I’d end the tour with a delightful lunch at Cohen House.
Q: What’s the most exciting time of year for you as it relates to Rice?
A: The excitement never ends around facilities, but two times of the year really stand out: commencement and fiscal year-end. These periods are a true celebration of our mission and accomplishments in facilities, marking both the culmination of our hard work and the joy of seeing our efforts come to fruition.
Q: What’s the one thing that makes Rice special to you?
A: The relationships I’ve formed and still keep today even though they may have left Rice.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A: Definitely the people and the opportunity to support the mission of Rice. Our facilities department is like a big, caring family. We have a fantastic staff and, honestly, more comedians than a late-night talk show. There’s never a dull moment when you’re surrounded by folks who can fix a maintenance issue and deliver a punchline in the same breath.
Q: What are your most memorable accomplishments?
A: I have many memorable accomplishments from my journey at Rice. Starting as a work control coordinator and advancing to supervisor, manager and director has been incredibly rewarding. Along the way, I’ve learned, grown and built lasting relationships with team members, colleagues, contractors and leadership mentors. One of my fondest memories is when my husband worked with Housing and Dining from 2013 to 2020, and we carpooled to work together. Those shared rides were special moments in our daily routine.
Q: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
A: My hobbies and interests outside of work include craft projects, being a dedicated journal keeper and being an avid reader. Also, shopping!
Q: What advice would you give to new employees?
A: Be bolder, use your voice and fully embrace the diverse culture that Rice offers. Take Continuing Studies classes, attend athletics events, have lunch with colleagues, interact with students and definitely walk the campus perimeter more than once in 25 years.
Q: Would you share a bit about your background and career journey?
A: I was born and raised in the South Park area of Houston. After attending Massey Business College, my first temporary job was at rock radio station K101. I also worked at Pizza Inn and Marriott Hotel while taking classes at Houston Community College. In 1990, I landed a job at NASA’s Johnson Space Center as a logistics specialist, working with facilities, rigging and moving services. One day, I received a phone call from a manager at Rice inquiring about the computer software we used. That call led me to Rice. I often tell people that I didn’t come looking for Rice; they came looking for me, and it was the best phone call I ever took.
Q: What’s your favorite lunch spot or snack?
A: I often end up eating at my desk. If I venture out, it’s not the lunch spot or the food that keeps me — it’s the people. I get caught up in conversations, and before I know it, my hour is over. So, desk lunches it is.
Q: What’s your secret talent?
A: I have a plaque in my work area that says, “Everything is Figureoutable.” This mantra drives me to help solve any issue customers may have. I take pride in my ability to find solutions and make things work no matter the challenge.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
A: You are enough, and you add immense value to your family, workplace and community. Believe in yourself and recognize the positive impact you have on those around you.
Q: If you could be Sammy The Owl for a day, what would you do?
A: I’d swoop into as many departments as possible, delivering Tiff’s Treats cookies and snapping way too many photos. Imagine the joy and sugar rush I’d spread! Plus, who wouldn’t want a selfie with Sammy and a cookie in hand?
Q: How would you describe your experience as a Rice employee?
A: Growth. I’ve witnessed the campus evolve and expand, and this environment has fostered significant professional and personal growth for me as well.
Q: Where do you see Rice in 25 years?
A: In 25 years, I see Rice University still embodying the motto “Rice Fight Never Dies” with unwavering spirit. The campus will be bustling with innovation and growth, and we’ll be cheering for even more athletics championships (fingers crossed!). Rice will continue to set the gold standard in world-class education and research, leading the way with groundbreaking discoveries and inspiring future generations. With advancements in AI, we might even have AI-driven personalized learning experiences and virtual reality classrooms.
Q: What’s your favorite memory from your time with Rice?
A: After 25 years at Rice, one memory that stands out is the Weather Emergency Ride-Out in Lovett Hall. What began as a concern about being stuck for days turned into an unforgettable experience filled with excitement and camaraderie. And yes, the rumors are true: The Spirit of Rice truly lives there.
Q: Describe Rice in four words or less.
A: Diverse, collaborative, prestigious and innovative.