As Assistant Director of Student Life, she says, “We get to help students realize their potential and be successful, help family members confidently send their child to college, help coworkers navigate challenges and make positive changes – what more could someone ask for?”
Q1: Tell us about your educational and professional background.
I have my bachelor’s degree in Psychology and my M.Ed. in Higher Education, both from Texas Tech University. I applied to be an Orientation Leader the summer following my freshman year, and I have been in Student Affairs ever since. At Texas Tech University I worked in various roles, including orientation, Campus Life, and the Ombuds Office. My first job out of college was with UT Tyler, where I was responsible for new student and family programs, leadership programs, first-year experience, and student government. I also had the opportunity to teach a section of the freshman success seminar. From there, I came to UT Permian Basin to serve as Assistant Director of Student Life.
Q2: What is your role at UT Permian Basin?
I am now the Director of Student Life. Our office houses new student orientation, parent & family programs, student organizations, fraternity & sorority life, student senate, the Campus Activities Board, volunteer opportunities, leadership development, and festival weeks (including Welcome Week, Homecoming, and Falconpalooza). We also oversee the Student Activity Center.
Q3: What do you love most about the role you play with students/staff/faculty?
I believe what we do has such a great impact on developing our students holistically. What they learn in the classroom is so important, but we provide an additional curriculum outside of the classroom. I am honored that I get to help students and families transition to college. I have worked in orientation for over 12 years and watching students enter the next phase of life never gets old. I am excited that we develop student leaders and that I get to see students who never thought they could take on important roles do so successfully. And, more than anything, I am humbled that students share their lives with us and allow us to be a part of their growth. It is hard work and certainly stressful at times, but I really do feel very lucky to be here.
I was a first-generation college student and have come a long way. I have been blessed with a great team. They take pride in their work and are constantly finding ways to improve our office. I could not do any of it without them. We get to help students realize their potential and be successful, help family members confidently send their child to college, help coworkers navigate challenges and make positive changes – what more could someone ask for?
Q4: How can students, faculty, and staff take advantage of your expertise?
Please come talk to me! I have an open-door policy and am always here to help. I pick other people’s brains on campus and I certainly hope they feel they can do the same with me. I don’t know everything and I may have to dig for an answer, but I will find it. I also enjoy just being a listening ear. You can come chat with me about anything and I’ll do my best to help. I do feel it is important to note that I am just one part of Student Life. Our other professional staff and student employees are fantastic. We work hard and we laugh every day. Whether you need a problem solved, or you are stressed and need a smile, or you just want to talk about life – come see us in the Student Activity Center!
Q5: What do I want students to know?
I want students to understand we do our best but we aren’t perfect - priorities change and different things come up. We do our best to serve the students well, but what helps most with that is students who come and see us and share their needs. If there is something we could change to be more efficient or make things easier, stop by and let’s talk about it. Feedback is so essential for us and what we do – don’t be afraid to come share your ideas!
