Residence: Jonesboro
Education: Doctor of philosophy, higher education; master’s degree in communication studies; master’s degree in family studies; bachelor’s degree in communication studies
What has been the most fulfilling moment of your career so far? The most fulfilling moment is when I watch students meet their goals or accomplish something they’ve worked long and hard to complete. Thankfully, there are many moments in my career seeing that and I look forward to hearing from students as they reach out months or years after graduation to offer an update on what they achieved, especially when its connected to a resource, workshop, program or event from our organization.
What’s the next big personal or career challenge you plan to take on? Our office recently received some data related to how faculty, staff, and students view the campus climate. I look forward to reviewing the data and creating or enhancing programs that assist with student success and faculty/staff retention.
What was your dream job and why? At a young age, I can remember wanting to become an attorney. Wanting to move into that area came from a combination of watching family friends, hearing about the career at “career day” events and watching Phyllicia Rashad (Claire) on “The Cosby Show.”
What advice would you give young women who are at the beginning of their careers? Develop a career plan and get an intentional mentor and board of directors. A career plan is simply a five-, 10- or 20-year (or more) outlook of your career, acknowledging where you are now and where you want to be in the coming years. A career plan and mentor go well together because while we can set plans for what we would like, there is a benefit to hearing from those that have accomplished success in areas we would like to grow.
What character traits do you feel have benefited you in your success? Humility, curiosity, and initiative have been great assets. Approaching situations with the understanding that I won’t know everything, allows me to keep space open for learning. I consider myself a lifelong learner and look for opportunities to learn, grow, and build on current skills.
Do you have a significant other and/or children? If so, what do you guys like to do for fun? Yes. I am married to Al Moore Jr. and we have two children, Trey, 3, and Beau who is 6 months old. For fun, we like to go to the park, library, or engage in activities around the home for “family time.”
How do you spend your time away from work? What are your hobbies? Time away from work is typically spent running errands for our children, participation in community organizations such as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Kappa Nu Omega Chapter, Strong-Turner Alumni Chapter of the Arkansas State University Alumni Association, Arkansas Association of Parliamentarians to name a few. I am also intentional with some of my favorite things such as trying new food, massages, or just quiet time to reflect. As owner of ToteMoore, an online tote, handbag, purse store, I also get to work on projects for the boutique and brand when I am away from work.
What are some unique aspects of your job or business? My role is unique in and of itself in that no one day is typically the same. Anything can happen.
Who have been mentors who’ve influenced your professional career? There have been so many at various points in my life, such as secondary school teachers, college instructors/professors, coaches, church leaders, youth leaders, supervisors, coworkers, etc.