Cougar Queries is a series profiling BYU employees by asking them questions about their work, interests and life.
BYU employee since: 2011.
My job at BYU is… senior associate athletic director. I oversee the student services for student-athletes, serve as a sport administrator, and work as part of the Athletic Executive Leadership Team.
I get most excited about my work when… I witness a student graduate from BYU, who at one time did not think that was possible.
When I tell people I work for BYU Athletics, they often say… “Do you know Jimmer?”
My biggest professional accomplishment is… earning a doctorate degree in educational leadership from BYU.
My advice to incoming freshmen is… you do not need to be perfect. Learn from every good, challenging, thrilling, and disappointing experience you have at BYU!
My advice to graduating seniors is… the more time you spend away from BYU, the more you realize how significantly your time at BYU prepared you for the next phases of your life.
I’m currently working on… BYU’s Student Success Executive Council (SSEC), which is striving to increase student graduation and retention rates on campus.
I’m currently reading… “In the Hands of the Lord.” The Life of Dallin H. Oaks.
I chose to come to BYU because... BYU has always represented my faith, passion for learning, and love of sports. I remember driving in the car with my wife, when our former Athletic Director, Tom Holmoe, called and offered me a position to work at BYU in Athletics. I became so emotional, that I could barely compose myself to answer yes.
My most cherished memory at BYU is… every student-athlete graduation banquet (held annually in April).
A daily habit that has changed my life is… studying from the Book of Mormon.
Three things that are always found in my refrigerator are… chicken pot pies, Coke and chocolate milk.
You’ll never find me without… a BYU logo on my clothing.
I’m most looking forward to… serving a mission with my wife.
My favorite quote is… “In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.” President Russell M. Nelson.
My favorite BYU tradition is…”Turbulence” because our student section (ROC) is second to none!
I’ve hiked Y Mountain… over 100 hundred times. It is a place I go to find peace.
My favorite TV show growing up was… Dukes of Hazzard.
My favorite spot on campus is…anywhere I find students because students are the secret sauce at BYU.
My favorite Cougar athlete is… Danny Ainge.
My favorite joke is… when is a joke a dad joke? When it becomes apparent.
