Future Students & Residents | Applying to UHCO

Hi everyone! For UHCO, I am Director of 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 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.

Welcome! I am a Program Manager within Office of Student Services. Should you need assistance with registration, immunizations, electives, notary assistance; feel free to email me. I help current students 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 my job 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 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 was born and raised in Houston, Texas. I am a proud Houstonian and fall more in love with my city every day. I would consider myself a pretty down to earth person who is easy to talk to and is dependable. People would describe me as funny, observant, and passionate.

I attended Stephen F. Austin State University for college in Nacogdoches, Texas (the oldest town in Texas). SFASU is my second home and I am proud to call myself a Lumberjack. I graduated in 2018 with a Bachelors in Interdisciplinary Studies. Then I graduated in 2020 with a Masters in Student Affairs and Higher Education. SFASU will always be a part of me, but I am very proud to also be a University of Houston Cougar!

As Program Coordinator 2, I assist with orientation, tutoring, interviews, accommodations testing, and Student Affairs led functions and needs.

My main job is to care for students’ needs and wants whatever they may be. I also take care of prospective students and answer their questions as they apply to the college. I represent a college of students, faculty, and staff that are dedicated to Optometry.

That much dedication and loyalty takes a lot of energy and time; I, along with the rest of the Student Affairs personnel, am prepared to be a supportive staff member for the individuals at the University of Houston College of Optometry.

Please call, email, or come see me in room 2171 if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.

Go Coogs!