Director of Operations and Finance,
OU Writing Center and
Expository Writing Program
she/her
Tara has been with the University of Oklahoma as a staff member since 2005, serving with the OU Writing Center. She is the Executive Director of Operations and Finance and also serves as the Assistant to the Director of the Writing Center/Expository Writing Program. Tara graduated from UCO with a BS in Funeral Science and worked in the funeral industry as a Funeral Director and Embalmer, before coming to OU. She received a MA in HR from OU in 1999.
Growing up dyslexic, she has found working in the Writing Center has given her a space to learn from directors and students new ways to expand her skills with writing and reading. Her passion at work is guiding students academically, socially, and through their personal growth during their time at the University and beyond. She loves seeing that moment when they realize they just learned an amazing tool for their future. Or, when they land that job, they have been preparing for and they can’t wait to tell you; that is her shining moment!
Tara’s favorite time is spending moments with her husband, her son, her parents, and their family. She loves being outdoors; camping, fishing, hiking, swimming, snow skiing, and exploring. She is spontaneous and loves to travel at a moments notice. She enjoys listening to elders and capturing their stories about life and life’s great lessons. She is thankful for time and tries to make each moment count.
Three quotes Tara lives by:
Just Breathe!
"I expect to pass through life but once. If therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again." William Penn
There are a zillion things that can clutter your mind when you cope/live with someone with mental or physical illness/disabilities. So some days we as the caregiver appear foggy, not as sharp, just plain exhausted...it is not that we mean to, it is just what happens. We don't expect most to understand, but we do ask for your respect. We don't have the liberty to just walk away and forget things, we made a promise, a choice we are proud of and we love our family. We ask you not to judge, just realize some days are just funky and we have to get through it the best we can.
