Jill Larson is the Assistant to the Dean for the College of Engineering.
Please tell us about yourself.
I grew up in a small town in Kansas (33 people in my high school graduating class and one stop light small). I am a graduate of the University of Kansas, where I met my husband. We have 3 children (2 girls and a boy) and our dog Max. Before making San Antonio home 4 ½ years ago, we lived in Kansas, Indiana (times two), Ohio and New Mexico.
What is your job title and what do you do?
I am the Assistant to the Dean for the College of Engineering. The most important part of my job is keeping the Dean on schedule every day. A close second is not losing track of her during the day (which is harder than you may think). I work each day to make the Dean’s office a welcoming place for all who visit, especially our students.
What is the best thing about your job?
The best thing about my job is all the people that I work with. We all have the common goal of “shaping the future” of our future engineers. We all work well together as a team and help keep each other motivated throughout the day.
What is your proudest moment with the COE?
I think my proudest moment in the COE is seeing our students succeed and graduate. I love when they come back and tell us how they are doing. It makes me feel like I am making a difference in someone’s life and in this crazy world.
How do you like to spend your free time?
I am a huge college basketball fan and love my Jayhawks (Rock Chalk!) I enjoy reading and cooking for my family. I love watching my 6-year-old during his karate lessons and spending time with our college age girls shopping or watching a movie. My husband and I have recently taken up bike riding on the trails in San Antonio.
What is your favorite quote?
“Do not go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
What are three words that best describe you?
Reliable, Passionate, and Kindhearted.
If you were an animal, what would you be?
If I were an animal, I would be a tiger.