Amber Winsor found a perfect fit in the Honors College, and took her classroom habits with her into her career. Read more of Amber's Honors story...

Why did you choose Honors?

I knew I was going to attend the University of Houston, but the sheer size of the university was a bit daunting. The Honors College was the perfect fit both personally and academically for me. It gave me the small college community I was looking for and it challenged me academically. Of particular interest was the Human Situation course, as it was a great accompaniment to my liberal arts degree. Ultimately, I chose Honors because it provided me with the best of both worlds, a small intellectual community within a large diverse cosmopolitan University.  

How did the Honors College prepare you to become a great alumni leader?

I’ve found that the values and habits you develop in the classroom aid you incredibly in your career. There was never a moment where you could just show up for class; you had to be 100% invested in the coursework. The Honors College taught me how to think critically and the faculty challenged me to think outside the box. My time at the University of Houston and my involvement with various campus activities also taught me how to network, how to lead, and how to interact with individuals on all levels. As the Deputy Director of Development and Administration for the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston (CAMH), I use these skills every day.  

What was the most profound take away that has resonated throughout the years?

When I was a freshman I remember meeting with Dean [Ted] Estess. I was lamenting that I did not know how to manage all of my activities—work, sorority, academics. I remember him responding to me, and challenging me to “look how you are spending your time.” It made me stop and critically assess how to best use my time. This is a lesson that remains valuable today.

What's your favorite Honors memory?

My favorite Honors memory was the study abroad trip I took with Dr. Haas to Scotland. I had never really spent much time outside of Houston, so travelling to Scotland was a life changing experience for me. The confidence you gain from travelling abroad is unmatched by any other experience. Plus, I was able to travel without burdening my parents financially, thanks to a private scholarship that added to my sense of pride regarding the trip. Overall, studying abroad was a pivotal point in my life, one that affected all aspects of my college experience.

About Amber Winsor

Amber Winsor graduated magna cum laude from the University of Houston’s Honors College in 2001 with a degree in Corporate Communications. Amber is currently Deputy Director of Development and Administration at the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston (CAMH), where she manages the fundraising, human resources, and finance departments. Prior to joining CAMH, she was Director of Development for UH’s College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. She is currently pursuing her MBA at the University of Texas McCombs School of Business.