John Poindexter

Software Systems Supervisor John Poindexter remembers the day he became a programmer. “I learned how to program when a program on a project I was working on quit,” he says. From that unlikely beginning, Mr. Poindexter is now in charge of data management and technical support at the Charles and Jane Pak Center for Mineral Metabolism and Clinical Research, where he celebrates 30 years of service at UT Southwestern. Mr. Poindexter says colleagues would describe him as someone who is always willing to help, even if he doesn’t really have the time. He hopes co-workers feel he “did everything he could to help the Medical Center and University be successful.” Mr. Poindexter wants to continue in his current position “at least until Dr. Pak retires … hopefully much longer.” In his spare time, Mr. Poindexter enjoys playing golf and spending time with family. He and Dana, his wife of 25 years, have two children, Jason and Sarah. 

Lisa Reyes

The many career opportunities and family atmosphere have allowed Lisa Reyes to literally grow up on the UT Southwestern campus. “I sincerely believe that UT Southwestern cares about its employees, patients, and community,” she says. As Senior CSA Program Specialist for Ambulatory Services, Ms. Reyes’ duties include managing the Float CSA Program, the Centralized CSA Hiring Program and the CSA Career Development program. A self-proclaimed daredevil, Ms. Reyes has flown a plane and loves riding rollercoasters and horses. She is looking forward to her first skydiving adventure. She has helped initiate a non-profit bilingual academy for children in her community, and also serves as events planner for a couples’ ministry. “I am passionate about serving my community and about doing what I can to help families stay united,” she says. Ms. Reyes and her husband, Eddy, have been married for 34 years and have three sons, one daughter, and 10 grandchildren.

Willie Simpson

As a Buyer in the Office of Purchasing, Willie Simpson ensures that the University receives the goods and services needed to fulfill its three-prong mission. He started his career at UT Southwestern in 1985 as a Store Clerk. After 35 years, Mr. Simpson remains excited about all that’s taken place over the years. “I’ve stayed because of the stability of my job and the exciting growth I have seen working here,” he says. He spends his free time attending music concerts, comedy shows, and going to the movies. Mr. Simpson is an avid bowler, and the proud father of one daughter.

Jo Smith

A Research Associate in Biochemistry, Jo Smith works as laboratory manager, which includes managing research projects and grants and writing protocols for investigative studies. She worked her way up from Laboratory Assistant. During her years at UT Southwestern, Ms. Smith says she has made great friends with many of the people she has met and interacted with at the Medical Center. “I stayed because of a great boss, good atmosphere, and good benefits,” the 30-year veteran adds.

Shwuyu (Jeanette) Tsai

“Sincere and helpful” is how co-workers describe Shwuyu “Jeanette” Tsai, who celebrates her 30-year anniversary at UT Southwestern serving as a Software System Supervisor in the Clinical Laboratory Services Department. Ms. Tsai, who began her career as a Programmer Analyst I, supports all IT related data processing and management needs in the Histocompatibility Laboratory. She says the opportunity to grow professionally at a nationally recognized institution is a major reason she remains at the Medical Center. “I am thankful for the years at UT Southwestern and proud of being a member of the community,” she says. Ms. Tsai has played a major role in keeping the software systems up to date. Most recently, she assisted in converting the DOS-based system to the current Windows-based system HistoTrac, which eventually interfaced with the LIS Sunquest system and Epic. At home, Ms. Tsai enjoys gardening and reading. Her family includes husband, mother, and niece.

Sue Weatherbee

Business Analyst Sue Wetherbee loves the challenge that comes with working in the IR/Client Services Department, where she says she learns something new every day. And there is nothing that she enjoys more than passing along that knowledge to her co-workers. “I am always trying to find ways to make people’s jobs easier by teaching shortcuts, showing job tools, and giving clients a better understanding of the software,” she says. Ms. Wetherbee would like to be known as the employee who is “always there to answer your questions and help when I can.” After starting as Receptionist for Information Systems, Ms. Wetherbee’s responsibilities now include Database Administrator, Quality Control for ServiceNow/IR Billing and preparing monthly reports for her Director. Her goal is to retire in the next five years to spend time with her son, his wife, and 6-year-old grandson. Her hobbies include gardening.