Q: How long have you worked at Rice?
A: One year and four months.
Q: What is your favorite part about working for the university?
A: Meeting people from diverse backgrounds, from a former Olympian to a health coach.
Q: What do you want people to know about living in Houston?
A: The traffic doesn’t get better, regardless of the time of the day.
Q: What do you do in your downtime?
A: Go on walks with my family.
Q: What’s your favorite spot on campus to show someone?
A: The Rice Center’s new massage suite in the Mind, Body and Recovery Studio.
Q: What’s the most exciting time of year for you as it relates to Rice?
A: The staff holiday parties and festivities.
Q: What’s the one thing that makes Rice special to you?
A: Its ongoing commitment to be innovative and collaborative within departments.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A: That I interact with all audiences — staff, faculty and community members — on a daily basis.
Q: What are your most memorable accomplishments?
A: My ability to sustain the Employee Health & Well-Being program initiatives while on a three-month maternity leave with the support from my administrative and well-being team.
Q: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
A: Zumba. I love to dance and get people moving while having fun.
Q: What advice would you give to new employees?
A: Take a deep breath; learning is ongoing, and it’s OK to ask questions when you don’t understand something. Rice has its own culture, and if you are open-minded, you will be successful.
Q: Would you share a bit about your background and career journey?
A: I was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia. Received a bachelor’s degree in health services administration at Old Dominion University and a master’s degree in public health at Liberty University. I’ve worked in both local and state government employee wellness for six years. I moved to Houston in 2024 with my husband and fur baby with the dream of living in a bigger city and impacting the health of a larger population. I’ve been blessed to work at nonprofits and now Rice University, a prestigious institution where I have grown personally and professionally.
Q: What’s your favorite lunch spot or snack?
A: On campus, it would be Dandelion Café.
Q: What’s your secret talent?
A: I am a Zumba instructor.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
A: Stop caring what others think of you and be yourself in every room you walk in.
Q: If you could be Sammy The Owl for a day, what would you do?
A: Race President DesRoches on the Rice football field.
Q: How would you describe your experience as a Rice employee?
A: Rewarding.
Q: Where do you see Rice in 25 years?
A: Dominating in all athletic sports.
Q: What’s your favorite memory from your time with Rice?
A: The baby shower my office held for me. My parents were coming into town that day and also got to attend.
Q: Describe Rice in four words or less.
A: Global, innovative, respected and evolving.
Q: What else merits discussion?
A: If employees are looking to get more involved within the employee population, ask me how to join the Owl-Liance Leaders.