Lead Residential College Coordinator, Hanszen College
Q: How long have you worked at Rice?
A: Almost 28 years.
Q: What is your favorite part about working for the university?
A: I love building genuine, lasting connections with the students. It is very rewarding to guide them successfully through the challenges of the college system and Rice. However, it is never a one-way street — their perspective and knowledge constantly teach me new things, making my experience truly educational also.
Q: What do you do in your downtime?
A: I stay busy spending time outdoors in our vegetable garden, canning what we grow, making memories with our seven grandchildren, reading and going on cruises as often as possible with my husband.
Q: What’s your favorite spot on campus to show someone?
A: I am fascinated by Lovett Hall. I love the history and architecture of the building. It has so many stories to tell.
Q: What’s the most exciting time of year for you as it relates to Rice?
A: O-Week! It is a journey for our new students. They arrive with a mix of nerves and excitement, stepping into unfamiliar territory, yet in just a few days, those initial jitters turn into genuine connections. They lean into their O-Week group, start lasting friendships and begin to see their college not just as a place to live but as their home away from home.
Q: What’s the one thing that makes Rice special to you?
A: Our community — faculty, staff and students. Everyone looks out for each other and are dedicated to seeing everyone succeed.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A: Building that level of trust and rapport where students feel safe seeking guidance for any challenge, be it big or small.
Q: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
A: My husband and I love to travel and try to go on at least two cruises per year. But when we are home, we work in our garden, preserve our own food, read as much as possible and love on our grandchildren.
Q: What advice would you give to new employees?
A: Give yourself time to adjust and learn all of the systems within Rice. Rome was not built in a day.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
A: Be more patient with students as they are still trying to figure out who they are or want to be. Mentor and guide them gently but firmly when needed.
Q: How would you describe your experience as a Rice employee?
A: Collaborative and educational. I have been fortunate to work with faculty, staff and students across campus within the college system, serving on committees and working groups gaining different perspectives but with shared purposes.
Q: Where do you see Rice in 25 years?
A: A global leader in education with satellite campuses all over the world.
Q: What’s your favorite memory from your time with Rice?
A: Our home was flooded during Hurricane Harvey. It was a very stressful time for my family, but it was Rice (mostly Hanszen) students who drove all the way to my house and carried ruined items to the curb, cut drywall out and cleaned the trash from my yard. It was a very personal culture of care in action.
Q: Describe Rice in four words or less.
A: Collaborative, diverse, caring, friendly.
Q: What else have we not talked about yet that merits discussion?
A: Our students are truly amazing. Whether in academics, leadership or personal pursuits, they pour their hearts into everything they do, often without the recognition they deserve. It is a privilege to get to know them and support them during their journey at Rice.