Tena Bennett

(Photos by Christi Mathis)

April 28, 2010

Ten questions with ... Tena Bennett

Job on campus/department you work in: Associate director, Student Center.

How long at SIUC: 3 ½ years.

Hometown: Columbus, Neb.

When you were a youngster, what did you want to be when you grew up? An Olympic athlete in track or volleyball.

People don’t know that I…have held the record for long jump at my high school for 16 years.

If you could choose another profession, what would it be and why? Real estate agent. I love looking at houses and the different designs and I would love to help people find the right home for them.

What was the first “album” you ever bought, and was it an LP, 8-track or CD? Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” on LP and I still have it!

If you could pick an actor/actress to play you in a movie, who would you pick and why?Katherine Heigl. I’ve been told we look alike.

Cats or dogs? Cats, I have two at home, McGee (aka Bubba) and Reece (aka Sissy).

Who has inspired you, and how? My Mom. She is an amazing woman who has always handled everything life has thrown at her with grace, and my high school basketball/track coach and teacher, Bob Lake. He always pushed me to my limits in the classroom and on the playing field without me ever really knowing it and he was an amazing mentor.

What is your pet peeve? Ignorance. I don’t like it when people lack the knowledge they need to discuss a topic and decide to pass judgment on something or someone.

Favorite cartoon character? Why? Scooby Doo. Even though it never went according to plan, he always caught the bad guy -- like in life, it may not go according to plan but it works out in the end.