Q: How long have you worked at Rice?
A: I’ll celebrate two years at Rice this November.
Q: What is your favorite part about working for the university?
A: Building relationships with our students and supporting their programming.
Q: What do you want people to know about living in Houston?
A: It’s a diverse city with a rich history. It’s definitely hot, but the people more than make up for the weather.
Q: What do you do in your downtime?
A: I spend time with friends and family, and I always make time to see my nephews.
Q: What’s your favorite spot on campus to show someone?
A: The Academic Quad. My dad worked at Rice when I was a child, so it means a lot to me to now work here and walk the same paths he did.
Q: What’s the most exciting time of year for you as it relates to Rice?
A: Our office does a lot of programming, so I get excited about every opportunity to support our students. Cultural celebrations are a big part of our work, and I thoroughly enjoy helping plan those events.
Q: What’s the one thing that makes Rice special to you?
A: Its investment in student well-being. There are so many great resources on campus, and the culture is always focused on finding ways to improve.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A: The students, without a doubt.
Q: What are your most memorable accomplishments?
A: Building trust with students and being someone they know they can rely on. That’s the most important part of my work.
Q: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
A: Music, health and wellness.
Q: What advice would you give to new employees?
A: Don’t feel like you need to conform to fit in. Be authentically yourself, and you’ll find your community.
Q: Would you share a bit about your background and career journey?
A: I started my career at the University of Northern Colorado as a student development specialist, where I monitored academic progress and created graduation plans for student-athletes. That role showed me how much I enjoy advising and helping students build the future they want for themselves.
Q: What’s your favorite lunch spot or snack?
A: Doña Leti’s.
Q: What's your secret talent?
A: I’m handy. I’m good at building things.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
A: What you say to yourself every day matters more than anything you hear from others.
Q: If you could be Sammy the Owl for a day, what would you do?
A: Sit in on classes and act like I’ve been there all semester.
Q: How would you describe your experience as a Rice employee?
A: Enlightening.
Q: Where do you see Rice in 25 years?
A: I see Rice with a much more visible presence in Houston and significantly higher enrollment.
Q: What’s your favorite memory from your time with Rice?
A: The 2026 Psalm Bird Gospel Choir concert.
Q: Describe Rice in four words or less.
A: Impactful, rigorous, layered and evolving.
Q: What else have we not talked about that merits discussion?
A: Dialogue needs to be the foundation for how students disagree with one another. Where there is no respect for dialogue, there is no respect for differing opinions.