Catherine was born in Wiesbaden, Germany. She was an army brat who to this day loves to travel and explore. After earning a BA in English from St. Edward's University in Austin, Texas, she joined the Rice Admissions Office. Seven years later, she was asked to helm the Office of Minority Affairs. In the years since, the office changed it's name to Multicultural Center. Catherine earned her MS at the University of Houston (Clear Lake) and has been an ardent advocate for students, with a focus on social justice, diversity and inclusion. 

As Associate Dean, she supervised Student Activities and the Student Center, University Bands, Student Media and Student Success Initiatives. She also teaches a section of UNIV 110 (Foundations for Self-Discovery and Lifelong Learning) each semester and loves that it allows her to meet a cohort of students with whom she might not normally come into contact. 

She writes, "I love Rice! It has been my honor and privilege to be part of such a spectacular community. I love that Rice has nothing to which students are expected to conform, and I love that we find ways every day to truly embody the word community and take care of each other. This is a very special campus, and it is my pleasure and purpose to help ensure we all can contribute to, help maintain, and feel a part of this vibrant University, while always challenging ourselves and each other to do and be better!"

These days, most students know her as "Lady Catherine" or "Lady C" (long story).