I grew up in Emmet, Nebraska (population 76). I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska at Kearney and did my graduate work at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. I enjoy softball, golfing, skiing, and reading in my free time. I have four cats and a husband to keep me busy as well.

What has been your most embarrassing moment?

My most embarrassing moment would have to be when I had first met my future in-laws, it was during the holidays and we were driving around looking at the Christmas lights. I started saying that I thought multi-colored, flashing Christmas lights were tacky (somebody back me up here, when the top of the tree flashes at a different time than the bottom of the tree). Well, my husband interrupted me by saying that his parents had multicolored flashing lights on their tree…oops! This story is re-told every Christmas Eve and I’m sure I’ll never live it down.

What is your favorite comfort food?

Peanut butter cookies and my mom’s holiday caramel corn.

If you could take a trip to anywhere in the world, where would you go?

The North Pole