What made you choose UNC & Kenan-Flagler Business School?
Once I made the decision that I wanted to further my academic studies and pursue an Executive MBA program, I made a short list of top ranked schools. What set UNC apart on this list were the people. Every person that I interacted with—students, alumni, faculty, administrators, literally everyone—was helpful, but more than anything everyone was genuine. People make culture and I wanted to be among a group of people who helped each other, challenged me to be at my best, but also supported me when I needed it. One other factor that played a big role in my decision is the global nature of UNC Kenan-Flagler’s programs. It was appealing to me to have an opportunity to work with peers from four different continents throughout the entire 21 months and gain a richer, more diverse perspective.

What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment to date?
This is always a tough question, because I have so much I have left to accomplish both personally and professionally. One of my greatest accomplishments to-date is earning my master’s degree. My grandfather was born in 1928 and only finished 7th grade. As the oldest of 12, he quit to work and care for the younger children. Two generations later, I’m the first in my family to earn an advanced degree. My greatest desire is that children, nieces, and nephews will know how obtainable it is for them to go even further in their educational pursuit should they chose to.

What made you choose a career path in healthcare?
In the summer of 1982, my grandmother was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. I spent that summer with my grandparents in Davidson, NC. As young children did in those days, I sat quietly in the exam room as the doctor explained to her how to self-inject insulin and how to check her blood sugar. I was fascinated that he knew how and what would make her better. I don’t think I ever stopped asking questions about that day. I knew then at four years old that I would work in healthcare.

What is something about you that not many people know?
When I was a little girl, I had a pet squirrel named Bob, a horse named Dolly (named after Dolly Parton, who I met in 2019), and a dog named Sandy.