Embarking on the graduate school journey can be a challenging experience, but it helps if you understand the major players involved in that experience. The “Link to Leadership” series features Q&As with UAB's Graduate School leaders and an opportunity for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to get to know these leaders on a deeper level.

Q:Why did you accept this position within the Graduate School?

A: “This position allowed me to work with graduate students and academic programs in an interactive, personal way. The staff within the graduate school and the student services team also drew me to accept my current position. They are easy to work with and are incredibly supportive.”

Q: What is your background?

A: "My background is in higher education, specifically in student affairs. I earned a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership and a Master’s of Education in Student Personnel Administration. My previous role at UAB was in the Division of Student Affairs in Residence Life."

Q: How long have you been in this role? What are your specific responsibilities?

A: “I have been with the graduate school as a Coordinator of Student Admissions and Records since July 2018. My primary role is to work with students and the academic programs to process applications, admissions decisions and talk with prospective students about the various programs within the UAB graduate school.”

Q: What drew you to this particular area of work?

A: “The type of relationships I can build with students and campus partners is what drew me and what keeps me working in higher education. I get to work with folks, whether that is students or campus partners, every day to ensure the next class of students that attend UAB receive an experience that is uniquely UAB. The student’s drive to further their education, continue in their research and impact UAB’s campus makes me want to keep pushing in my own education and professional career.”

Q: If you were talking with a group of incoming UAB students, what would you most want them to know about you and your hopes for their experience at the Graduate School?

A: “I would want students to know that I, and the rest of the graduate school staff, are here to help! We want to hear from you, so please call or come by with your questions. I want to work to ensure their way into their graduate program is as smooth as possible. It is important to us as a staff, and to me as one person, that each student is heard and has equal access to their program, to us and to more opportunities at UAB.”

Q: What influences have shaped you?

A: “The moments that have made a significant impact on my life have been when someone has taken the time to invest in my life as a student, employee or friend. It makes such a difference when another person takes time out of their day to help you achieve a goal or simply navigate a system that is completely new to you.”

Q: What do you like to do for fun?

A: “I enjoy taking my dog, Max, on walks and to the park. I’m also a graduate student myself, so I spend time outside of work attending classes. I love to travel and take weekend trips to places around the country as much as I can get away!”