In 2021, just as the world was emerging from the Pandemic, my daughter Kimber walked through the door and announced, 'Mom, we're buying a ranch.' Two weeks later, Robin's Nest Rescue was born. What began as my daughter's lifelong dream became the chapter of life I never knew I needed — working side by side with rescued animals, extraordinary people, and my own daughter. Somewhere between horse whinnies at sunrise, alpaca kisses, tiny dogs underfoot, and the peaceful presence of animals who have overcome hardship, I realized something unexpected: I was home. The greatest gift of all is watching that same sense of wonder and healing unfold in the people who walk through our gates every day.
On any given day, one might spot "Dr. Sue" buzzing around the ranch on her golf cart, Chihuahuas in tow; consulting on Zoom about a new project; or working on a chapter of her children's book series. Dr. Sue earned her title as an accomplished and sought-after professor at Kansas State University — her most popular class was Study of Serial Murder! She has directed dozens of funded projects totaling more than $2.5 million. Both her professional and personal experiences add depth to her colorful passion for animals and their people.
Dr. Sue was inspired by her pioneer grandmother Annie Allen Carr, who at age 13 drove a horse-drawn wagon through heat and high water to settle in West Texas. Rural places and their abundance of animal life have always held Dr. Sue's heart, so when daughter Kimber said "Let's buy a ranch NOW," it was a perfect turn toward what she calls her third chapter.
A sociologist and criminologist, Dr. Sue has always been a people person. She proudly avails her purple hair to strike up a conversation with all who are willing to learn about Robin's Nest Rescue. It may be no surprise, then, that she is dedicated to education about connections, especially the magical animal-human bond. The forthcoming children's books are based on the lives, lessons, and antics of the three original rescues, Lily, Alberto, and Julio — also known as the Three Chimigos. They teach us every day.
Credentials
- Founder and Secretary, Robin's Nest Rescue (2021–present)
- Professor Emeritus, Kansas State University (2022–present)
- Professor, Kansas State University (1997–2022)
- Selected Research: Our Town Our Kids, Rural Kansas (2018–2020); Hidden Harms (2020); Rural Places & Policing Procedural Justice (2017); Doing Time (2012–2020)
- Selected Awards: People Saving People (2020); National Faculty of the Year (2019); Operation ARC Award (2017); UPCEA National Teaching Excellence (2012); Educator of the year (2011); Excellence in Teaching (2008)
- 50+ published works, including 3 books and 30 refereed articles
- PhD, Sociology, University of Connecticut (1997)
- Master of Arts, Sociology, Texas Tech University (1990)
- Bachelor of Arts, Sociology, Texas Tech University (1988)