Q: How long have you worked at Rice University?
A: 26 years
Q: What is your favorite part about working for Rice?
A: The people. I’ve met some of the most kind-hearted and supportive people over the years.
Q: What do you want people to know about living in Houston?
A: How green everything is. You don't realize what a tree-covered canopy there is until you fly into the city.
Q: What do you do in your down time?
A: Dote on my great-grandson.
Q: What’s your favorite spot on campus to show to someone?
A: The James Turrell Skyspace. I attended the opening gala.
Q: What’s the most exciting time of year for you as it relates to Rice?
A: Commencement. We have a tradition of giving out ducks to our master’s and doctoral thesis graduates. It’s always fun to watch the students pick out just the right one.
Q: What’s the one thing that makes Rice special to you?
A: The beautiful campus. It’s always a pleasure to drive onto the campus every day.
Q: If you could be Sammy The Owl for a day, what would you do?
A: I would go to random classrooms and try to make people smile.
Q: How would you describe your experience as a Rice employee?
A: I feel at home here. My job is satisfying, and I feel that what I do is important to the graduate students’ success.
Q: Where do you see Rice in 25 years?
A: I see Rice as a vanguard of diversity, equity and inclusion. Rice has evolved over the years, and I see that continuing.
Q: Describe Rice in four words or less.
A: Inclusive, Accepting, Beautiful, Artistic.
Q: What else have we not talked about yet that merits discussion?
A: Two of the best things about the campus are the fact that it is a designated arboretum and an outstanding public art program.
Want to submit a colleague for the Staff Spotlight? Email Sam Byrd, internal communications writer, at sb166@rice.edu.