Hometown: Berea, OH

Degree: M.S. in Sport Administration, 1998

Tell us about the responsibilities involved in your current position.

I work with budgets, business processes, and contracts for departments in the Division of Student Affairs. At UTSA, both Athletics and Campus Recreation are under the Division of Student Affairs, so I work with those (and other Student Affairs departments) with their business-related processes.

What is your favorite part of the position?

I love being a part of UTSA. The university has only been around since 1969, so it is wonderful to be a part of a newer, growing institution. In Fall 2010, our enrollment surpassed 30,000 students. Every day brings new opportunities, and I am proud to be a part of the UTSA family. I am very fortunate to work in a positive environment and being in the VPSA Office has allowed me to spread my wings even more.

Given your current career path, where do you see yourself in ten years?

Ten years ago, I never thought I would leave the Campus Recreation field. My current position found me in December 2007, and while I wasn’t looking for a change at that time, it was a perfect fit and it seemed right. In ten years, I hope to be at UTSA, but in a higher-level position where I can continue to affect positive change and continue to contribute to student success.

How did your education at Mississippi State help prepare you for working in your field?

The various leadership opportunities really prepared me for success. While I’m no longer in a recreation or sport-related field, I’m still able to use leadership, creativity, problem-solving, and the in- and out-of-classroom experiences that I enjoyed while at State. I would not be in my current role had I not had such a robust grad school experience at State…both in the Sport Administration program and in my role as a Graduate Assistant for Recreational Sports.

What advice would you give current students looking for internships or jobs in the field?

Keep your options open. There are many different opportunities out there and you never know when an opportunity will find you. While it may not be what you ‘think’ you want to do, a new opportunity may bring a myriad of new possibilities for success and happiness…and an opportunity for you to really make your mark!