Q: How long have you worked at Rice?
A: 18 years.
Q: What is your favorite part about working for the university?
A: Working at the Shepherd School, I’m continually inspired by the world-class music making that surrounds me every day.
Q: What do you want people to know about living in Houston?
A: With the second-highest concentration of theater seats in the nation — behind only New York City — Houston offers an incredible variety of live performances every single day. Beyond the arts, the Houston dining scene is second to none.
Q: What do you do in your downtime?
A: Listen to music (I currently have lots of disco and ’90s alternative on my playlist), watch movies and fall down rabbit holes on YouTube.
Q: What’s your favorite spot on campus to show someone?
A: Morrison Theater in Brockman Hall for Opera is truly stunning. I also love the Frog Wall, located outside Anderson Hall.
Q: What’s the most exciting time of year for you as it relates to Rice?
A: It’s hard to beat the excitement in the air when all the students return at the beginning of the school year.
Q: What’s the one thing that makes Rice special to you?
A: It’s a privilege to work alongside such incredible colleagues, all united by a shared commitment to helping our students reach their full potential.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A: Hearing about the amazing accomplishments of our students and alumni.
Q: What are your most memorable accomplishments?
A: One of my key responsibilities is producing the programs for all of Shepherd’s concerts and performances. While I don’t have an exact count, I estimate I've created roughly 7,500 of them during my time here.
Q: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
A: Outside of my work at Rice, I sing with the Houston Grand Opera Chorus. In my free time, I love to cook, to try out new restaurants, to map out cross-country road trips and to escape to the mountains for strenuous hikes.
Q: What advice would you give to new employees?
A: Come to performances at Shepherd. We have more than 400 events each year and most of them are free.
Q: If you could be Sammy The Owl for a day, what would you do?
A: Find a well air-conditioned room; those mascot costumes are hot.
Q: What’s your favorite memory from your time with Rice?
A: Attending the Renée Fleming Gala in 2009 was unforgettable.
Q: Describe Rice in four words or less.
A: Inviting, pioneering, creative and vigorous.