Q: How long have you worked at Rice?
A: I’ve worked at Rice a total of 13 1/2 years, which includes my first 10 years with the Department of Kinesiology and the remaining time in my current position in the Kinder Institute for Urban Research.
Q: What is your favorite part about working for the university?
A: The opportunity to work for amazingly passionate and strong female leaders at the Kinder Institute who are great role models. Also, I have met so many awesome colleagues over the years who have become close friends. Rice has such a wonderful community feeling.
Q: What do you want people to know about living in Houston?
A: The diversity is amazing. It is such a fabulous place to be with so many great restaurants, an amazing medical center, a fun zoo and several professional sports teams to watch.
Q: What do you do in your downtime?
A: I enjoy building Lego sets with my daughter, taking walks with my husband and daughter, reading devotional books with coffee, spending time with family and friends and going to the coast whenever possible. The beach is my happy place.
Q: What’s your favorite spot on campus to show someone?
A: Rice Chapel is my absolute favorite place because it is so beautiful and a hidden gem on campus. Fun fact: I got married in Rice Chapel in 2014.
Q: What’s the most exciting time of year for you as it relates to Rice?
A: The fall semester is so fun because of the return of students to campus and also the promise of the cooler temperatures and holidays to come.
Q: What’s the one thing that makes Rice special to you?
A: The uniqueness of Rice traditions, both older and newer, such as Beer Bike, Ride with Reggie, walking through the Sallyport, etc. It is such a fun community of brilliant minds to be a part of.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A: I truly enjoy working for a mission-driven institute and with fantastic colleagues who are super passionate about making Houston and the world a better place for everyone. It is exciting to be a part of research that leads to positive change.
Q: What are your most memorable accomplishments?
A: In 2018 as part of the Developing World Class Staff at Rice project group, I was one of the first recipients of the RICE MILE Award. Our work was impactful and also enjoyable as I am passionate about professional development and staff advocacy. On a personal level, becoming a mother was a significant accomplishment and is so rewarding. I love watching my sweet daughter learn and grow, especially in her faith.
Q: What advice would you give to new employees?
A: Network as much as you can to get to know your fellow Owl colleagues. There are so many amazing faculty and staff members on campus who are ready to help or mentor. Embrace the Rice community.
Q: Would you share a bit about your background and career journey?
A: After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin, I managed a fitness center and then worked for orthopedic surgeons in Austin and in San Antonio. When my husband’s career path involved a move to Houston, I applied for the department administrator job at the kinesiology department at Rice in 2012, and I was so blessed to get the job. I spent 10 years in that position before moving to the Kinder Institute in 2022 to become the assistant director of finance.
Q: What’s your favorite lunch spot or snack?
A: The Faculty Club at the Cohen House for creamy chicken poblano soup on Tuesdays. It is the best soup ever, trust me. For a yummy snack, I highly recommend the coconut dream bar with a double iced Americano at the Coffeehouse.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
A: Travel as much as possible and worry less. Find joy in each day.
Q: Where do you see Rice in 25 years?
A: Rice will remain a leader in innovation and research and will continue to grow in global recognition as a top tier university.
Q: What’s your favorite memory from your time with Rice?
A: Getting married at Rice Chapel is a top memory for me. Rice is such a beautiful campus, so it was amazing to share my wedding day here with family, friends and fellow Owl colleagues.
Q: Describe Rice in four words or less.
A: Unique, mission-driven, welcoming and Owl-some.