Tell us what brought you to UNT and what you do here.:
When I moved to Denton in 2001, there was a job at UNT that was just perfect for me, and I was thrilled when I got it! I had never worked in higher ed before, and I'm so glad I got the opportunity, because I LOVE IT! I left UNT for a while, to raise my kids and gain new work experiences, but I got back here as fast as I could. I've now been at UNT for more than 10 years, with one daughter a current sophomore and another daughter hopefully soon to be a freshman here! I am the Alumni Association's director of regional programming for South Texas, which means I get to travel to Houston, Austin and San Antonio and plan fun events for alums there. It's pretty much the best job ever. I'm also a co-host of our virtual program, UNT Alumni Live!, so you may have seen me hosting a video or two with our amazing alumni.
What do you enjoy most about working at UNT?
I love hearing people talk about the transformative experience they had at UNT - all the things that make UNT special to them. It's so gratifying to know that I work for a place that has such an impact on people. I LOVE going to Houston or Austin (or anywhere!) and meeting a UNT alum who is excited about getting involved with their alma mater!
What are your favorite hobbies?
Roller derby! We're on hold now because of the pandemic, but normally I can be found at the skating rink. I am the training director for North Texas Roller Derby, so I play and I also train new skaters. During the pandemic I've been skating a lot outside, so you may have seen me hitting the trail at South Lakes. Anyone who is interested in trying skating can reach out to me any time! It's never too late to try it - I took up derby at age 40!
What is one life experience you have had that no one at work knows about?
In high school I wanted to be a TV news anchor. I was actually pretty natural, but I got in trouble during a journalism competition for smiling while giving a crime report - I was just always smiling through every terrible news story!
Where did you grow up and where else have you lived?
I was born in Washington, D.C. (Alexandria, technically); grew up in Indiana (Indianapolis and then Madison); moved to Bartlesville, Oklahoma, my senior year of high school and graduated from OU; and, finally, became a Texan in 2000! I call myself a Hoosier, but really I'm from all over. My husband is from England and moved to Houston in high school before coming to UNT - I would love to live in his homeland one day (but he says it's too cold)!