What’s something colleagues might be surprised to learn about you?
I was a competitive Irish dancer for 13 years. I grew up in a very big Irish and Canadian family. Music and dance were one way we connected to our history, heritage, and culture. My family would travel in the summers so my sister and I could compete in feises (competitions). I loved every minute of it and still remember many of the dances.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love to travel. Whether my husband and I go on weekend adventures in the Four Corners or we head off across the world, travel is important to both of us. We have been on many adventures over the past 20 years, but my favorite places to travel these days are to visit my five nieces and nephews. They are in Washington, Massachusetts, Vermont, and New York–visiting them is the best.
What opportunities do you see ahead for the Katz School of Business?
I believe the Katz School is poised to develop and grow through innovative and creative initiatives. We have the opportunity to be innovative in the way we prepare students for the future workforce and in the way we integrate emerging technologies into our processes. I see this as an exciting time for business education, where we can help shape the future of education and the workforce needs. I also see the challenges facing higher education as an opportunity for the Katz School to position ourselves as leaders in the Four Corners region and beyond.
What strengths do you see in the faculty and programs here?
Every person in the Katz School truly cares about the students. I see this as our main strength. Each person I work with keeps the students as their main focus – they strive every day to help our students to be better academically and to help them make a positive impact on society. As we make decisions on the future of the Katz School, it always comes back to one thing: “how does this impact the student?” I truly feel so grateful to be working alongside so many people who have a collective focus on students and their success. The Katz School is an absolutely amazing place to work.
What’s one book, podcast, or idea that’s influenced your thinking recently?
I am currently reading selected essays in the book titled Conversations on Work (edited by Ian O. Williamson). These essays range from discussing the history of the workforce to how AI is impacting the workplace of today.
These essays have helped me think about why people go to work each day and how leaders can be supportive in our changing world. I have been most impacted by the essay on what the future of work will look like. I think we are at an interesting crossroads in history where the way we have always worked in higher education is going to change – this is related to emerging technologies like AI, but also related to overwork and balance in organizations. This book is helping me think critically about what support structures need to be in place for every worker to succeed.