Dorothy Harris has worked at UAB in the Building Services department for eight years, making sure the first floor of Bartow Arena always is clean and tidy.

Now Harris has stepped from behind the scenes into the forefront as part of UAB’s “It’s Your Team” fall 2006 football promotion. Harris, known as Dot by her friends and co-workers, is featured on postcards employees received in their campus mail, leading the football team out onto the field. The UAB Reporter talked to Harris recently about her experience helping promote UAB.

Q. What did you first think when you were asked to take part in the “It’s Your Team” campaign?
A. It was shocking. I couldn’t believe it. I did have a little apprehension at first. Then I said, “Why not, I’ll give it a try.”

Q. When you first saw the postcard, what did you think?
A. It was kind of funny and exciting. It made me laugh. They told me they’re going to give me a bigger postcard when they get one made. I’ll probably put it up in my house or give it to my son, Robert Harris, and let him put it up in his office in North Carolina.

Q. Do you have a favorite player on the football team?
A. I have a lot of favorite players. I really do. I like No. 2 (Brandon Register). I call him Squeaky No. 2.

Q. A lot of football players and athletes are superstitious. Are you?
A. No, I’ve never been that way. I just think whatever happens is going to happen.

Q. What was it like being involved in the photo shoot?
A. It was great. I had so much fun. I had to stand there with my arms folded looking at the camera like I was very angry. Then I had to run toward the camera when they shot off the fireworks and had the boys on the football team running behind me. I had to run out of the tunnel twice, but it was fun.

Q. What do you like about your job?
A. I like everything. I work in Bartow Arena and I have to clean the concourse, bathrooms, everything on the first floor.

The arena is my baby.