Valecia Dupree

Certified Health Unit Coordinator
Psychiatry Unit

First UTSW job: Working as a Health Unit Coordinator.

Funniest memory: The staff and I played a Halloween joke on the Housekeeping supervisor. We told her bats were in the building. She came and asked where they were, and then saw our paper-cutout bats hanging around. The expression on her face was priceless. She laughed so hard her stomach hurt.

How co-workers describe me: The conductor. I’m the first point of contact for patients and their families.

What energizes me at work: Interacting with people. I enjoy helping patients and their families.

I wish I were an instant expert at: Pharmacy education. Medications should be further explained to patients, such as risks of taking sound-alike/look-alike drugs.

Claim to fame: Being on the cover of UTSW Campus News as part of the 75th anniversary campaign. I was recognized throughout campus. That felt pretty cool.

Hobby or passion: My husband, Rickey Dupree Sr., and my sons, Rickey and Roderick – they’re the core of who I am. I also thank God for my UTSW family. The laughter, teamwork, compassion and purpose – I couldn’t ask for a better fit.