Q: How long have you worked at Rice?
A: Since September 2022, so just over three years.
Q: What is your favorite part about working for the university?
A: So many things: the students, the employees, the beauty of the campus, the opportunities. This is my fifth university I have worked at, and it’s easily been my favorite.
Q: What do you want people to know about living in Houston?
A: We’re more than the rodeo and saying “y’all.” Those things matter, of course, but the cultural diversity here is incredible and so is the sense of community and friendliness you find everywhere.
Q: What do you do in your downtime?
A: I have recently got back into reading and have enjoyed picking up books that will be turned into movies soon. “Regretting You” and “Reminders of Him” are my most recent. I love watching TV shows and movies in general, and I love curating experiences — from hosting my friends, decorating my apartment or even planning my wedding.
Q: What’s your favorite spot on campus to show someone?
A: When I bring people on campus, I usually take them through the inner loop first. The canopy trees and signs of student life are breathtaking and speak to the heart of campus.
Q: What’s the most exciting time of year for you as it relates to Rice?
A: I love when classes start. Students are still full of energy, excitement and big ideas for the year.
Q: What’s the one thing that makes Rice special to you?
A: The natural beauty of the campus while still being in the heart of Houston.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A: Helping students connect the dots between what they’ve done, what they care about and where they want to go. Watching that confidence click is the best part.
Q: What are your most memorable accomplishments?
A: Most recently, becoming a resident associate at Martel College. It’s a competitive process, and my husband and I are so grateful that students feel we can make a difference in their community. We look forward to living up to that responsibility during our tenure.
Q: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
A: I enjoy volunteering with The Woman’s Resource, teaching financial literacy workshops for women and girls.
Q: What advice would you give to new employees?
A: Talk to people outside your department. Rice has so many hidden gems, and some of the best things I’ve done here started from random conversations.
Q: Would you share a bit about your background and career journey?
A: I am a military brat, meaning my mom was in the Army. We moved every three years since I was a baby, so I am not from anywhere. I earned my bachelor’s degree from Baylor University, my master’s degree in college student development from the University of Central Florida and an MBA from Texas Woman’s University. I have worked in higher education for 11 years across five different universities, though coming to Rice was my first time on the academic side of the house after spending most of my career in student affairs.
Q: What’s your favorite lunch spot or snack?
A: I love Local Food’s truffled egg salad on the pretzel bun. Prior to Local Foods, I was a regular at Brochstein Pavilion for the tomato basil pesto bisque.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
A: Trust in yourself. No one knows what they are doing; we are all trying to figure it out as we go.
Q: How would you describe your experience as a Rice employee?
A: Warm, people-centered and fun. It feels like home.
Q: Where do you see Rice in 25 years?
A: Still pursuing excellence but even more connected to the world beyond the hedges.
Q: What’s your favorite memory from your time with Rice?
A: Traveling with students to Thailand for the Gateway Program’s faculty-led immersion program. Experiencing a new place alongside students brings out a unique kind of learning and vulnerability that’s hard to replicate.