Meet Your Texas Parents Staff

Jenny grew up in Austin, Texas, and brings 20 years of experience in higher education—spanning student success, faculty management, and admissions—to her role as Associate Director of Texas Parents in the Office of the Dean of Students. She earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Texas A&M University, her M.Ed. in College and University Student Personnel Administration, and her Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from The University of Texas at Austin.

Prior to joining Texas Parents, Jenny led programs such as the University Leadership Network (ULN), which supported thousands of students with significant financial need—most of whom were first-generation college students—and contributed to UT Austin’s increase in four-year graduation rates. She has also developed leadership curricula and built partnerships across campus to strengthen resources for students and families.

As Associate Director, Jenny oversees family engagement initiatives, orientation programming, and signature events such as Family Weekend that help parents and families feel informed, connected, and confident in supporting their Longhorns. She is passionate about creating meaningful experiences that foster community and connection.

Personally, Jenny also knows how important support can be during life’s big transitions. Her youngest daughter received a life-saving liver transplant when she was just a year old, and today she’s a thriving teenager. That experience taught her the power of community and connection—values she brings to her work every day. Outside of work, she spends time with her family (husband and two daughters), enjoys growing a cut-flower garden, and baking. Additionally, she serves on the board of Compassionate Touch, a nonprofit that provides just-in-time financial support to both transplant and non-transplant families who are hospitalized.

Lastly, she’s excited to partner with you as the Texas Parents Team cheers on your Longhorn and celebrates all the milestones ahead.

Favorite UT Fact is: In 1855, two students stopped by a store to purchase ribbons to hand out to the crowd during a game. When they arrived, the store owner only had the colors orange and white most of in stock. It wasn’t for another 73 years, in 1928, that UT declared orange and white as the official school colors.

Nicole is from San Antonio, Texas and holds a Master of Arts degree in Mass Communication with an emphasis in Strategic Communication. She has won several awards for her writing and marketing skills. While studying business marketing as an undergraduate, she participated in the AMA International Collegiate Case Competition where her team of seven presented an advertising campaign that earned second place, beating all but one of 100 competing universities. As a Graduate Instructional Assistant, she taught Fundamentals of Digital and Online Media while honing her writing skills as a freelance writer for South Texas College of Law. 

Nicole has expertise in e-commerce website design and construction and proven results as a digital marketing campaign specialist. Her volunteer experience with Make-A-Wish America and Mobile Loaves & Fishes spans eight years. She has worked as an advocate for foster children. Nicole remains an active member of the American Marketing Association and the Chi Omega Fraternity. Her time with Texas Parents has given her an appreciation for the richness of University life beyond the student experience as she continues to broaden her professional skills. She and her husband Robert love living in Austin, visiting the local garden nurseries, cheering on UT football together, discovering new food spots and enjoy spoiling their pups, Stella, Chuck and Moose, with boat rides on Lake Austin. 

Favorite UT Austin Fact: Nicole is curious about a missing fact, actually: the fact of how Bevo got his name. Was he named after a near beer? Or was his name derived from combining Beeve, the plural form of beef, with O? Or was he actually branded with the 13-0 score by some Texas A&M enthusiasts, which Texas students turned into the letters BEVO? We may never know!


Haley is originally from Colorado Springs, Colorado, and brings a strong background in student support, engagement, and relationship‑centered programs to her work with Texas Parents. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Communications from the University of Colorado Denver and her master’s degree in Student Affairs and Higher Education from the University of Denver.

Prior to joining Texas Parents, Haley held roles across higher education including academic advising, student activities, and international student programming and support. Most recently, she worked in alumni engagement at Indiana University, where she focused on building meaningful connections between alumni and the university community.

In her current role, Haley supports outreach and engagement initiatives that help families feel informed, connected, and confident in navigating the Longhorn experience. She is passionate about creating welcoming spaces for families and strengthening partnerships that support student success.

Outside of work, Haley enjoys reading, spending time with her husband and their fur baby, Piper, and getting outdoors—especially when the weather cooperates.

Favorite UT Austin Fact: Introduced in 1955 by UT head cheerleader Harley Clark, “Hook ’em Horns” is now one of the most recognizable hand signs in college sports.