Kim LaScola Needy

■ Date and place of birth: September 29, 1962, Pittsburgh

■ Family: husband Bill Needy, sons James Needy, 24, Thomas Needy, 19

■ Fantasy dinner party guests: I would love to have dinner with my sister Kathy, our mom (who is deceased) and both our grandmothers (who are also deceased). These women have all been so influential in my life, and I would love to have a conversation with them.

■ A typical Saturday night for me includes: My work weeks are long, so on Saturday night I enjoy relaxing while watching a good movie, reading the newspaper or diving into an interesting book.

■ The accomplishment I’m most proud of is: raising our two children, James and Thomas, who are both incredibly smart, independent and driven.

■ People might be surprised to find out I: have run the Pittsburgh Great Race supporting amyloidosis research since its inception in 1977, a total of 35 times and counting

■ The greatest challenge I’m facing right now: There’s just not enough time to accomplish all that I want to do. This doesn’t deter me, however, as I work to make the University of Arkansas College of Engineering the premiere engineering college in the region and the destination of choice.

■ Something I think everyone should try at least once: I think everyone should travel to a foreign country to gain an appreciation of how others live.

■ The last show I binged on television: “The Golden Girls.”

■ My favorite type of music: I love to listen to classic rock.

■ If I were stranded on a deserted island: I’d have to have a satellite telephone.

■ When I have an hour of free time: I call a family member or friend to catch up.

■ Three words to describe me: energetic, steady and loyal.