I became a single mom at 18, which led me to UA Little Rock where I earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics. After earning my Ph.D. from Georgia State, I returned as faculty and later became department chair. Today, I support students, lead faculty and serve a university that empowers diverse, often nontraditional, students.
I always loved math and wanted to teach. Over time, I realized my passion was not just for the subject, but for what it allows me to do for others.
Math is not something to hate. It is not as impossible as people often think and shows up in the world around us every day in meaningful ways.
Becoming department chair. I love what I am doing and often say I have the best job in the world.
Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund and UA Little Rock Foundation. Both do a great job of creating opportunities for students.
Going to church. It gives me peace, perspective and a chance to reset.
AI. I never expected artificial intelligence to become such an important part of higher education. It has changed the way we think about learning, communication and problem solving.
Balancing work and family. I have five children ages 4-20, so I have to be efficient with my time and like to think that I have mastered multitasking.
The people. I love building relationships with students, faculty, colleagues and alumni, and having the chance to impact others like this university impacted me.
Nothing can stop both determination and persistence.
Give myself time. If I can wait before reacting and rethink a bit later, I will often have a different perspective.
My first job was at a dry cleaner when I was 14. It taught me very quickly that quality customer service matters.
