I was born and raised in Topeka, graduating from Seaman High School in 1994. I then had the pleasure of attending FHSU, majoring in Finance, and graduating in 1998. I entered the electric utility industry right out of college, where I have proudly served for almost 20 years now. I earned an MBA from Washburn University along the way as well. I am married and have two daughters, ages 7 and 9, and am living back in my hometown of Topeka.
Why did you choose to attend FHSU?
I had the honor of spending a month at FHSU in high school for the Board of Regents Honors Academy, which is when I fell in love with the campus, the people, and the town! I was blessed to receive academic scholarships from FHSU, and already knowing the area and the size of the college, I knew it was a perfect place for me!
What are your favorite memories from your time as a student?
Where to begin?! My top memories…..I met my best friend (to this day!) freshman year in Custer Hall, I first learned about this new thing called the “world wide web” while at FHSU, I loved serving the student body as a senator and VP in SGA, and being up for Homecoming Queen senior year was a fun experience as well!
What advice do you have for current or prospective FHSU students?
Enjoy every minute! FHSU’s campus, staff, and students constitute a true family feeling. Being from the “metro” of Topeka, I loved getting to know all of the down-to-earth folks from Western Kansas, and to this day, I cherish how welcoming, hard working, and genuine those folks were and still are. Getting involved in as many activities is key indeed!
Tell us about someone at FHSU who has left a lasting impression:
Dr. Hammond, hands down. As part of the SGA leadership team, it was so exciting to get to regularly meet with him and advocate for fellow students. He was so supportive of students, and really listened and adhered to the needs and desires. He had a strong personality and wasn’t afraid to take risks in order to do right for FHSU staff and students. I’ll forever admire that, and I try to emulate that in my own leadership journey.
In what ways are you proud to be a Tiger?
Too many to count! FHSU has such a great reputation for being innovative, a leader in education quality and technology, and for being a wholesome, hard-working, loving community. I love running into fellow Tigers here in the Topeka area (or anywhere I go) and approaching them because we are instant family!