Greta Ott began her journey at the University of Houston College of Education in September 1989, as a Senior Secretary in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. 

Early on, Ott’s Office Manager, Mr. Joel Hammett, took her under his wing and changed her life.  He taught Ott more than just her job.  He put her in charge of purchasing, taking it off the shoulders of the other secretaries.   Eventually, he taught her to process travel forms, and pay invoices, which led her to the next 20 years handling purchasing and travel. 

Ott loved her job in the University of Houston’s College of Education from the start.  After trying her hand at several jobs, Ott felt that she “got a lucky break, and got a job with UH.”   Since then, Ott has had the pleasure of working in an educational environment, surrounded by people who have shown her appreciation and respect, and listened to her thoughts and ideas. Ott stated that the support she received from the College of Education has increased her self-confidence, and she has “become a better employee, and a better person.”

 “I will never forget how it has changed my life.  I will look back onto these years frequently and with gratitude for the support and the love you all have given to me” stated Ott in response to reflecting on her time at the College of Education.

After 26 years at the College of Education, Ott plans to move to Beaumont, Texas to live with her sister in the house that their mother left them. She plans to relax, travel, and learn to garden and landscape to create a garden sanctuary in her backyard.  She also plans to make many trips to Houston to visit friends and reminisce on 26 happy years at the University of Houston’s College of Education.