Living in the ivory tower on the island gives me an opportunity to pursue my passions: sociology, teaching, doing research and most importantly, learning. Here I have an opportunity to share my passions with others.

I didn't always work on this island. I was born to Al and Mary Slaughter in Fort Hood, Texas, but I grew up in Houston with my younger two brothers and sister. I graduated from North Shore High School in 1972 and obtained a bachelor's degree in sociology with a minor in anthropology from Southern Connecticut State University in 1975. After a few dead end jobs, I returned to the university. In 1978, I received a Masters of Arts in Teaching from Southwest Texas State University. After teaching for several years at San Jacinto College in Houston and Lamar University in Beaumont, I eventually received my doctorate from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. My dissertation examined the health behaviors and health status of Mexican American women.

I came to the island a few years ago. Along the way I was the Director of the Corpus Christi Heart Project, an epidemiological study of myocardial infarctions among Nueces County residents. The joys in my life are my husband, Ralph, and my children, Leslie and Jonathan. Ralph is an attorney who enjoys camping and sports. Jonathan is a 7th grader, writer and inventor. Leslie is an exuberant first year student at Rice University who enjoys life. In addition to enjoying time with my family and friends, I like playing Scrabble, traveling (anywhere, anytime), gardening (although I am not always successful), and hiking (especially where I can see animals). Sometimes you might see me hiking on the island observing nature.