Meet Your Colleagues

This section introduces featured staff and faculty members in their own words.

Share your favorite Hill Country destination and a few reasons why.

  • Carolyn Connerat

    Carolyn Connerat

    18 years at UT

    Managing Director, Texas Memorial Museum of Science & Natural History

    I love visiting Pedernales Falls State Park in the Hill Country. Besides walking down to the falls and hiking the trails, the bird blinds are a wonderful place to sit and watch many different kinds of birds. It’s a magical place!

  • Troy M. Kimmel, Jr.

    Troy M. Kimmel, Jr.

    35 years at UT

    Senior Lecturer, Department of Geography and the Environment & University/Incident Response Meteorlogist, Campus Safety/Campus Security

    I just love everything about our Texas Hill Country and really don’t have one favorite particular destination. Fredericksburg and Llano are great. That being said, my favorite thing about the Texas Hill Country (and the Austin area and the UT community as well!!) are the folks that live there (and here).

  • David M. Hillis

    David M. Hillis

    36 years at UT

    Alfred W. Roark Centennial Professor and Director of the Biodiversity Center

    Enchanted Rock is a great place to climb, explore and experience the plants, animals, scenery and history of the Hill Country.

  • Ryan Kelly

    Ryan Kelly

    8 years at UT

    Associate Director, Butler School of Music

    A lazy afternoon bouncing around the various distilleries, wineries or breweries of Dripping Springs is a great release from the hustle and bustle of being in town!

  • Marilyn A. Tyus

    Marilyn A. Tyus

    5 years at UT

    Associate Vice President for University Housing and Dining and Longhorn Hospitality

    My favorite Hill Country destination is my little home in Pflugerville. I love PFLUGERVILLE!

  • Megan Barnard

    Megan Barnard

    20 years at UT

    Associate Director for Administration and Curatorial Affairs, Harry Ransom Center

    Nothing beats the big skies and scenic terrain of the Hill Country’s state parks, especially Pedernales Falls, Colorado Bend and the Hill Country State Natural Area.

  • Library or coffee shop? Where do you like to read, work and research?

  • What is the video game that you’ve sunk the most number of hours into?

  • Where was the last place you went using your passport, or where would you like to go in the future?

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