I’ve worked at AU for 18 years. Before that, I was assistant director for undergraduate programs at the Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland. 

My job is to make sure AU Central is available to problem solve for our students, their families, and our communities. Our team has great institutional knowledge and works hard to ensure the business side of being a student is as seamless as possible so that students can focus on the social and academic side of college.

A typical day includes checking in with my team, attending meetings, developing opportunities to improve the student experience, and having lots of laughs and fun. My office is in 201 Asbury. My go-to lunch spot is, sadly, my office. I typically eat at my desk. My go-to order at the Dav or the Bridge is a regular old latte, nothing fancy. My favorite place on campus to steal a quiet moment is the amphitheater, although with all of the new construction on campus, it is more challenging to find that quiet space. 

Mine is an Eagle family. My son is a first-year student, and my nephew graduated from AU in May 2023. I show my AU spirit by attending AU club ice hockey games. My son played on the team this year. I think they need a goalie for next year so if any students are reading this and have net experience, bring your pads and join the team. Campus is at its prettiest during the spring, but I also love a nice dusting of snow.

The person who helped show me the ropes is Rose Ann Robertson. She was associate dean of SOC and gave me my first position here at AU. She recently passed away and is truly missed. She was a lovely woman and a fantastic mentor. I found my community at AU through opportunities to participate in cross-divisional projects and working groups.

My favorite day of the workweek is Wednesday. We have our regular AU Central staff meeting—plus, it is the halfway point of the work week. My work-from-home rituals include taking steps on the desk treadmill I recently bought. I take my steps off camera, as I have yet to build the courage to do them during meetings.  I also spend lots of time letting my two-year-old black lab, Thunder, in and out of the front and back doors. I do my Zoom meetings from my kitchen nook, where I have created a well-lit workspace along with my standing desk and treadmill.

The most famous face I’ve seen on campus is Nick Clooney (yes, George’s dad). He taught in SOC for a time when I was there. He was so sweet, kind, and humble. When I’m not at work, you can find me at Washington Capitals games; the dog park; Martha’s Table, where I volunteer; or on my back deck with my husband.

My hobbies include playing in a women’s ice hockey league in Laurel, Maryland, for the past nine years. I have served as a captain in our summer league for several years as well. I love bringing along new players and seeing them improve and fall in love with the game. The last great books I read were The Bee Sting by Paul Murray, True Biz by Sara Novic, Yellowface by R.F. Kuang, and The Glass Hotel by Emily St. John Mandel. I just started The Winners by Fredrik Backman—it’s the third book in the Beartown trilogy, which is about Swedish junior hockey. The last great movie I watched was 20 Days in Mariupol. It was so powerful and just heartbreaking. One of my all-time favorites is The Royal Tenenbaums; I’ve probably seen it 25 times or more (I love Wes Anderson). The last great meal I ate was sushi from Perry’s in Adams Morgan with my husband. 

If I wasn’t an AU staff member, I’d be a teacher. I come from a family of educators, and I admire anyone who can get in front of students, share knowledge, and create an environment where students love learning. But my job at AU is best because I have a great boss, Prita Patel; I have wonderful colleagues and friends; my AU Central team is so fun and dedicated; and our students are amazing. AU is a special place and I look forward to where we are going next under the leadership of our new president.