Current Location: Chatham, IL

Hometown: Springfield, IL

UIS Degree: B.A. 2009 (Accounting)

Current Position: Data Analysis Supervisor with the State of Illinois

Career Highlights

“I started with the state in 2006 as a tax specialist. I was promoted into a payroll position in 2008 then became a data analyst in 2010, and I love it!”

Memories of UIS

“I had a child at UIS Cox Children’s Center while I was a student, and I loved passing between classes and seeing him play, and being nearby if he became ill”

How did UIS change or prepare you?

“This is a hard one, I think it is impossible to measure the ways that college teaches you to be open to ideas that challenge your own, and cause you to think more critically. I specifically remember a class assignment where we were challenged to do something out of our comfort zone. I like to answer questions, and so for 2 or 3 classes, I didn’t answer a single question without being specifically directed to do so. It was very difficult for me. But that skill has served me well in many meetings.”

Advice to UIS students or potential students?

“Find something you really enjoy, and pursue it. My degree is in accounting, because I love math. I enjoy the detective-like look at the numbers. Which is what lead me to being an analyst. It wasn’t what I thought I would be doing, but it is what I enjoy, and I wouldn’t be able to do the job I do without the classes I took.”

Interesting Fact

“I am a BSA Scoutmaster, so much of my free time is spent camping, at troop meetings, and going through scout records. It always makes me smile to go from Professional to Scout, because I go from heels to hiking boots.”