Of course, you can find out about my specific background on my vitae. That doesn't always give a very well-rounded or interesting picture of the person, however.

The basics:

Hometown: Portland, Texas. You can find P-town right next to Corpus Christi. I'm very proud about being from The Great State. And Hook 'Em Horns!

Other places that I have lived: San Marcos, Austin, and Corpus Christi, Texas; Gambier, Ohio; and Decatur, Georgia.

Other places that I have worked (as a grad student, and beyond): Texas State--San Marcos, Del Mar College, Denison University, Kenyon College, University of Georgia, and Agnes Scott College.

Colleges: Texas State University--San Marcos (BA, MA; Go Bobcats!) and University of Georgia (PhD; Go Dawgs!)

Family: My husband, Ward Sayre, teaches in the International Development program (Political Science) at Southern Miss. We have 2 children--Gillian (13) and Owen (10). We also have a cockapoo (or a cockadoodle, as we like to call her) named Sara, a weiner shi-terrier named Bennie, and a Manx named Oreo (all adopted from the shelter).

In my spare time, I watch movies, read, run, travel, follow politics, throw things for my dogs, pet the cat, knit, and volunteer.

I'm also organizing a 5K right now--the Thames Elementary 5K on Nov. 12: register here