Houze has been appointed as UT’s new assistant vice chancellor for student life and dean of students.
“I live, breathe and work because of students’ energy levels on the campus,” Houze said.
Houze earned her bachelor’s degree in speech communication from the University of Southern Mississippi, her master’s degree in college student affairs administration from the University of Georgia and her Ph.D. in educational psychology and research from the University of Memphis.
Before UT, Houze worked at the University of Southern Mississippi, where she served as the director of new student and retention programs. She also held a roles as associate director for external affairs for the Southern Miss Alumni Association and was coordinator of the First Scholars Program and a career advisor at the University of Memphis.
Having worked in higher education for 12 years across the Southeast, Houze decided to reflect on where she wanted to go next.
“Keeping in mind the next steps … reflecting on who I wanted to be … I just kept coming back to wanting to work with students,” Houze said.
Using the opportunity to utilize her skills in an academic environment, Houze felt this job fit perfectly and was the leading opportunity to eventually having a greater role in higher education.
“It was a natural next step … where you have the ability to work with amazing students coming from all over the southeast,” Houze said. “You get to be at the forefront because we set the tone to the Journey to Top 25.”
Some students remarked on the importance of staff visibility and relationship to students.
“On its way to becoming a top 25 university… it is important that students and staff work together to achieve this goal,” Joelle Jarjoura, sophomore in business analytics, said. “New staff should continue challenging students to explore new fields and ideas, both in their majors and beyond.”
Many students, like Jarjoura, hoped that new staff members would engage on campus by attending student events, utilizing social media and sharing work and life experiences.
“Seeing staff walking on campus and eating in the dining halls and restaurants is a great way to make students feel connected with their administration,” Jarjoura said.
Houze agreed and said that much of her first year will be directed toward these types of engagement, and especially as UT approaches a student population of 30,000, Houze feels that being available to students is crucial.
“My contribution is being visible, being present and being seen,” Houze said. “The first year is really about making myself known on campus.”
Jarjoura further emphasized the roles that staff members have in creating positive conditions for students.
“The most important part of UT staff’s job, regarding students, is creating an environment that positively impacts the student experience,” Jarjoura said.
Houze is attempting to address student concerns through the exploration of options to reduce costs, the continued promotion of a safe campus and the foundations of successful futures.
“I think there is a lot to learn, and first and foremost … stop, look and listen and engage our students,” Houze said. “What do they need to make sure they are growing?”
Creating an environment that is inclusive of everyone and ensuring that UT is a shelter for students are primary goals.
“For me it’s about the students, and the more I can learn and be on the ground, the more I can understand what their challenges and success are,” Houze said.
Houze further hopes to help UT’s pathway to success and help the university help others through more than just academics and athletics. For Houze, it’s about the Volunteer spirit.
“We are the Volunteers. What does ‘Go Vols’ mean?” Houze said. “Being able to live that out every day … I would say we have lots of school spirit, but the Volunteer mentality sticks out.”
Houze felt UT encompassed her values and hoped to help continue UT’s legacy.
“It is a very unique place where there are tons of traditions but also this desire to influence for the better,” Houze said.
