Future Students & Residents | Applying to UHCO

I have been a member of the UH family for many years…first as a graduate of the University of Houston-Clear Lake, a staff member at UHCL and a member of the UHCO family since 2001. There have been many changes in my position, the college and the university since my arrival. Having the opportunity to work with our students, alumni, corporate partners and friends is something I particularly enjoy. As a development professional, working with donors to create opportunities for them to support their passion is extremely rewarding. Being involved with the establishment of the Molly and Doug Barnes Vision institute within the Health and Biomedical Science Building has been a real highlight.

On the student side, meeting our applicants when they arrive on interview day, seeing the joy when they learn they will become part of the UHCO family, passing them in the halls each day and meeting their families to cheer on their hard work at graduation brings everything full circle. Although there are stressful days, seeing our students working toward their career goals day in and day out is what gets me out of bed.

I feel privileged, as the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, to be a part of the excitement as we continue to advance the college and the optometric profession, and at a time when UH is receiving national acclaim. I am honored to be a part of the student journey and assist with a wide array of challenges students may face, whether it be academic or of a more personal nature. Our goal in OOR is to help our students achieve their academic and professional goals as they transition from student into successful alumni. My door is always open and I am available after office hours, in the evenings, and even on weekends and holidays via cell and email.

In my spare time I enjoy paddle boarding, spending time with my two dogs (Shiner-bark and Eastwood), my family and relaxing in my new pool.

Hi everyone! For UHCO, I am Program Manager for Admissions, Recruiting, and Advising, which means I get to work and learn every day with students who are working toward a profession as a Doctor of Optometry. This includes pre-optometry/pre-health professions undergrads, high school students looking forward to working in medicine, post-bac students considering a career change, family members supporting these students, current UHCO students, and more! Along with other Team OOR members, I lead our recruiting efforts at health professions informational fairs at high schools, colleges, and universities across the country. If you would like UHCO to be represented at a recruiting event or if you have questions about how to apply to UHCO and how to be your best, most outstanding self, then I’m your man. Contact me anytime, and we’ll talk!

I love getting to represent this amazing College and University and the field of optometry! I’m a Mississippi guy originally, but Houston is definitely home now. If you’re looking for recommendations about the city – where to visit, where to shop, where to EAT, where to live – I am glad to share my small-town-to-big-city experiences with you. I came to UHCO in 2013 from Mississippi State University where I earned my BA in English (1999) and MS in counselor education/student affairs in higher education (2011) while coordinating special events for the University Libraries. During my undergrad years, I worked for campus leadership organizations, sharing tours of campus and advice for incoming students, and that led me to my master’s program in student affairs. My favorite parts of my job center around people – those with whom I work and those I meet along the way – and how I’m inspired every day by students pursuing their dreams, serving our communities, and sometimes tackling some big obstacles along the way.

When I’m not in the office, I’m often traveling to/from other campuses! Outside of work, I enjoy singing with my church vocal groups, reading voluminously, and traveling all over the U.S. (especially Seattle whenever possible). The things I love most in my life include my parents; my partner, Lee; our labs; our little home in the Heights; and live theatre of all kinds.

Hello there! My name is Ellen Shaw, and I’m a Program Manager for Admissions, Recruiting & Advising here at UHCO. I have the privilege of working with students of all ages and backgrounds as they work towards becoming a Doctor of Optometry! I often attend pre-health and graduate fairs at colleges and universities across the nation but also spend a lot of time advising in-house here at UHCO. I love educating prospective students, their parents and support systems, and undergraduate admission counselors on what steps students should to take to pursue a career in optometry. I also enjoy leading tours of our state-of-the-art facilities and amenities – I always think how very privileged I am to work in such a beautiful building every day! Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about the admissions process or if you want to set up an appointment to see our stunning campus!

I joined UHCO in 2017 as a Program Manager for the Continuing Education team. In that role, I was able to learn much about the optometric field and, specifically, the legislative perspectives on optometry here in Texas and nationwide. Prior to that, I worked as an Admission Counselor for the Texas Chiropractic College and gained valuable experience recruiting and advising for a medical program. I truly love working with students every day and am so grateful to be a part of the Admissions team here at UHCO! I also love traveling to new places and meeting new faces – this is by far my favorite aspect of my role here.

Outside of work, I love being outdoors – specifically anything around the water! I was a competitive swimmer growing up and take advantage of Houston’s close proximity to the coast every chance I get. I love having a good laugh with my friends and family, cooking new recipes, traveling everywhere I can, and enjoying a good cup of coffee. And, of course, I love my sweet shelter dogs!

Hello! My name is Jewel Elliott and I am the Program Coordinator for the Office of Optometry Relations within UHCO. I currently assist with helping current students, applicants, and any visitors to the college. I enjoy working with this group of students, because they are very passionate about this field and I am able to see their growth throughout the program. My favorite part of working with UHCO is the positive environment that the students, staff, and faculty have created. This office really focuses on student success which is needed so students can focus on their studies and be stress free. I have been with the University since March 2018, and I am the newest member of UHCO! Feel free to come by our suite for a good conversation and candy! J I received my Bachelors of Arts in Criminal Justice and my Masters of Public Administration from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX. During my undergraduate years, I worked with the Department of Residence Life, Office of Admissions, and the Office of Student Affairs. My favorite job on campus was being a tour guide. I was able to show prospective students why I loved SFA and why they should start their educational career with us. When I am not working, I like to sleep, travel, catch up on tv shows, and spend time with my friends and family. My favorite show is How to Get Away with Murder (which is sadly ending)!

Welcome! I am a Program Manager within Office of Optometry Relations (OOR). Should you need assistance with registration, immunizations, electives, notary assistance; feel free to email me. I help current student stay on track with enrollment as outlined in the Optometry Curriculum. I have always enjoyed the diversity of work that each day brings. I entered into student services in 1997 as I began working at the Patient Registration Desk within the University Eye Institute. My favorite part of OOR is the daily interactions with students, because it allows me to watch the students grow from OPT I to OPT IV students. When I’m not working, I like to make salsa!

I’m from Humble/Huffman/Crosby, TX area where I raised FFA animals in school.

The things I enjoy most in life are spending time with family/loved ones, shopping, playing bingo and of course making more salsa!

Howdy Y’all! I work in Alumni & Corporate Relations helping alumni, current students, and corporate partners to connect and support the College of Optometry. Should you ever have questions about corporate or alumni sponsorship for your events, feel free to contact me. I have always enjoyed working with different audiences to promote the College. My start in Development came from working as a President Ambassador for my undergraduate university.

My favorite part of Development is the relationship building, because it allows me to meet new people and help them achieve their dreams. When I’m not working, I like to read, cook and explore Texas Wine Country.

I am Houstonian all the way, and received by bachelor’s degrees from Texas A&M University Corpus Christi and my Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Houston.

The things I love most in life are my family, fresh air, and experiencing all life has.

I work for the support arm of the College of Optometry…Foundation for Education and Research in Vision, Inc. I work with students, alumni, faculty and staff in various capacities.

My favorite part of my job is helping our students in any way that I can to ease their burdens so they can focus on school and be successful. When I am not working, my time is spent with my husband and 3 wonderful sons. I enjoy walking our dogs, bike riding, reading, volunteering and traveling. My husband and I are both UH Alumni and we have been married for over 25 years.

I am a development officer for UHCO. Should you need any assistance with regard to a donation from an individual, corporation or foundation, feel free to email me or call me at 480-459-8012. I assist donors in their philanthropic contributions to UHCO and this includes donations for student scholarships, professorships for faculty and for facility improvements. I match donors with their philanthropic giving to UHCO so that it allows students to receive scholarships and focus on their studies and worry less about debt.

I enjoy working with donors and got into development in 2007 helping raise money for a national trade association.

My favorite part of development is working with donors as it allows me to match their passions and interests with UHCO’s strategic fundraising priorities. When I’m not working, I like to read. I’m from Phoenix, and originally from India. I received my degree in Mass Communication from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University.

The things I love most in life are in helping people realize their dreams and being with family.