Q: How long have you worked at Rice?
A: 15 1/2 years.
Q: What is your favorite part about working for the university?
A: I love to help people, solve problems, learn new things and stay busy. I get to do all of these things as I work for Rice.
Q: What do you want people to know about living in Houston?
A: We have amazing sunrises, friendly people, lots of concert venues, great sports, every type of restaurant you can think of and all types of entertainment.
Q: What do you do in your downtime?
A: I like to stay busy, but when I want to unwind, I’ll do stretches, go for a walk, read a book, go to a movie or float around in the pool.
Q: What’s your favorite spot on campus to show someone?
A: I love to show all the art installations around campus.
Q: What’s the most exciting time of year for you as it relates to Rice?
A: Budget season!
Q: What’s the one thing that makes Rice special to you?
A: The benefits. Having come from the corporate world, I am now spoiled by the winter break, and when I walk across campus, I know my IQ goes up at least 10 points.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A: It keeps me really busy. There is always something new, different and exciting going on.
Q: What are your most memorable accomplishments?
A: Most recently, I published my first book in September.
Q: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
A: I attend church regularly and enjoy Bible study. I play pool, write, play with my dogs, travel to new places and love learning new things.
Q: What advice would you give to new employees?
A: Be patient.
Q: Would you share a bit about your background and career journey?
A: I was in the corporate world prior to coming to Rice. I worked as the accounting manager for a retail service company and was the controller for a manufacturing company.
Q: What’s your favorite lunch spot or snack?
A: I eat lunch at my desk, but my favorite thing to do afterward is to take a walk around campus.
Q: What’s your secret talent?
A: I’m really good at keeping secrets.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
A: Stay skinny.
Q: If you could be Sammy The Owl for a day, what would you do?
A: I’d hop in a cart, zoom around campus waving and high-fiving everyone. Go to the Academic Quad and do a series of handsprings from Lovett Hall to Fondren Library. I would then head over to Texas Children’s Hospital to bring joy to some kids.
Q: How would you describe your experience as a Rice employee?
A: Joyful.
Q: Where do you see Rice in 25 years?
A: In 25 years, Rice will be recognized as a global leader in education and research. It will achieve significant breakthroughs in the medical field, computational sciences and energy sustainability. It will develop innovative, strong, affordable and lightweight materials that are fire-resistant, revolutionizing the construction industry. In addition, Rice will pioneer more efficient methods for water deployment, enhancing irrigation and mitigating fire hazards. The university will also spearhead the discovery of new therapies to eliminate cancer and combat addictions, solidifying its reputation as the world leader in research.
Q: What’s your favorite memory from your time with Rice?
A: My favorite memory is the “Spectacle” at the centennial celebration. I was fortunate enough to volunteer for the event and was assigned to “trip hazard” duty right next to the production booth. I had the best seat in the house, even though I was standing the entire time.
Q: Describe Rice in four words or less.
A: Vibrant, innovative, prestigious and supportive.