How I became interested in my area of study/research/discipline:
My path to higher education was not intentional in any way. I began as Admission Counselor following completion of my master’s degree. I really wasn’t sure what “the field” was all about. A friend called to tell me about the position; it sounded interesting, I applied without much forethought and there began my career in higher education.

Someone who has been influential or had a significant impact on my life:
My mother has had a great impact on my life. If I can borrow from the renowned poet Maya Angelou, she is a “Phenomenal Woman.” I have learned a great deal from her and I have a lot more to learn. She is EVERY WOMAN!

Most favorite/least favorite memory as a student:
Graduation was absolutely my fondest memory. I think back to all the hard work (mine and my family’s) that led up to it and I appreciate it all the more. I simply enjoyed the entire process – the ceremony and the celebrating. Going through it just seemed unreal.

An important life lesson I have learned:
Life is about choices – and the consequences (good and bad) that follow. You must be willing to accept the consequences that go along with the choices and take responsibility for your choices.

A favorite quote or saying:
“Still I Rise.” It is from my favorite poem of the same title by Maya Angelou. I find it to be inspirational and allows for historical reflection. No matter what may come, what negative situation might arise, you can’t keep me down. The poem reminds me of the price that has been paid by my ancestors… “I am the hope and the dream of the slave.” Too much has been sacrificed in order for me to allow my “dream to be deferred.”

My hopes for the world:
My hopes for the world center on the idea of equality:

• Equal access without SES (socioeconomic status) consideration
• Equal pay for equal work
• Equal treatment
• Equal enforcement of the law
• Equal treatment under the law
• Equal goodwill toward a country in need regardless of the population
• Equal urgency to needs regardless of the residents
• Equal…