Originally from Baton Rouge, LSU alumni Kathy Gates moved to Oxford with her late husband Charles in the late 80’s. She accepted a position with the Mississippi Center for Super-computing Research at the University of Mississippi and currently holds the position of Chief Information Officer. Little did she know then that she would fall in love with Oxford’s small town charm, great food, sense of community and good friends. The perfect place to plant their families roots. This summer Kathy will celebrate her 28th year with The University of Mississippi and being an Oxonian. She may have earned her “tiger stripes” but there is no denying this family has a “rebel heart”!
Kathy has two human children: her daughter Sarah, 27 and son Will, 24. Sarah obtained her masters in International studies and is currently working in Washington D.C. at a non-profit, FHI360- an organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions (learn more at www.FHI360.org). Will is pursuing his master’s in Business Analytics at the University of Tennessee. Kathy thought a good way to help teach her kids responsibility as teens was to add a down to earth, four-legged paw pal to their home. So, in some ways, Rex can take credit for these super-star Gates kids!
Rex, a chocolate lab, comes from a long line of loving dogs. His grandma was fur-kin to the well-known Oxford native, Dr. Harland. Their close friends the Wrights also adopted a pup from the same litter! Ms. Sadie Wright is a member of another cherished Pet Families of the Month! Rex can be described as a chill guy, a creature of habit and has an incredible memory. He knows the “trash day” and looks forward to his trash day adventure with mom. When Kathy employs the “electric knife” he is ready for some tasty meaty treats. Kathy recently purchased a home in Baton Rouge to allow she and Rex to spend more time with her family. They will retain “dual citizenship” between Oxford and Baton Rouge. Rex now associates the sound of an un-zipping suitcase, with their travel adventures. Road-trip with his best friend!
The Homeward Bound team is fortunate to have such a kind family in our midst. It is our honor to have the opportunity to spotlight them this month. We wish them endless joy and happy memories to come and hope we can continue to celebrate those moments with them.