How long have you worked for UTHSC and the College of Pharmacy?
I have been employed with UTHSC College of Pharmacy since June 7, 2007. I will celebrate 12 years of employment very soon.
How many departments have you worked in the College?
I have only served the College of Pharmacy but in diverse departments – 1) Department of Clinical Pharmacy, 2) Office of Academic Affairs, 3) Back to Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, and recently back to 4) the Office of Academic Affairs. Okay not that diverse. LOL!
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is working with our student body. For almost 12 years I have collaborated with first, second, third, and fourth year students. I am honored to have an opportunity to cheer them on from orientation to graduation. This journey has required pom-poms in hand to applaud their awesome victories and a few boxes of Kleenex on difficult days. I still receive letters, emails, and even phone calls from many of them. These Doctors of Pharmacy now service our communities in retail, academia, hospitals, clinics, and even research. All furthering this wonderful profession.
What advice can you give other staff?
My advice to other staff is to do what you love! Not only in your personal time, but professionally as well. I call it – living out purpose! When I operate in purpose, I can overcome any obstacle and embrace whatever comes. In my opinion, purpose defines you, not income, education, or title. While those factors are important, living out your PURPOSE will build your character and give you meaning. That’s why I say – do what you love and love what you do!
Who has influenced you most in your life?
The person who has influenced my life most is my son Chauncey. Why you ask, because I am amazed by his resilience. Some of his challenges were difficult to say the least, but he persevered. As mom, I am supposed to be the strong one, but on many occasions, he was the voice of reason. “We got this mom!” – he repeats. I didn’t always see it or feel like “I” had it, but he was right, we survived it and more! Today he is a senior (Go Tigers!) at the University of Memphis, majoring in Biology with sights on graduate school next year. I look back and wonder, how did that happen with ongoing medical care and other storms? I am encouraged by his kind heart and influenced by his fight. Chauncey admits sometimes he does it afraid, but I applaud him because he is STILL doing it. My heart is overjoyed and I am excited about the future again. Not only for him, but for me too! While walking this sometimes trying but most awesome journey as his sole parent and friend – I found a sustaining gift called “blind faith.” It has taken us places we never imagined.
What is your favorite movie?
One of my favorite movies is based on a true story called Hidden Figures. While the era of this movie is a very difficult one, by the end I was celebrating my new “She-roes.” Not based on gender or race, but I celebrate their intelligence and grit. Katherine Johnson was the only minority female mathematician who helped configure the launch of Astronaut John Glenn’s mission into space. Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson also served as pioneers in this and other historical NASA missions. Since the release and success of this movie, Katherine Johnson (now 100 years old) received the Presidential Medal of Freedom Award from former President Obama. Also, in December 2018, President Trump signed a measure to rename a NASA facility in Fairmont, West Virginia, the Katherine Johnson Independent Verification and Validation Facility. She is living proof that with time all things are possible.
What is one place in the world you want to travel to?
The one place I want to travel to is New York City to attend a Broadway Play! Hamilton, The Color Purple, My Fair Lady, The Lion King, and on! I have produced, written, and directed Christian and youth productions for many years. I would love to attend a live show someday. After the play, I would take in the sights, taste some delicious cuisines, do a little shopping, and gladly return home after a few days of tourist bliss!
