Pursuing her passion has turned this Tech graduate into a quadruple threat: actress, host, model and spokesperson

Hometown: Monroe

Now resides in: Dallas

Degree: M.B.A. (’95), B.S., Accounting

Family: Husband, Christopher K. High

Website: www.elisebaughman.com

Career highlights: Role on Jerry Bruckheimer’s NBC series, “Chase”

Role on USA Network series, “Monk”

Catalog cover model and corporate spokesperson for Pier 1

Role on Lexus national TV commercial

Host of online web series, “RV Buddies”

Voice of Pan on “Dragon Ball GT” (Animé series on Cartoon Network)

Voice of Mom Baxter on “Boz the Bear” (cartoon videos)

What brought you to Tech? I considered multiple schools, but Tech was my top choice because my mom and aunt went to Tech, and my aunt taught at Tech. The minute I walked onto the Tech campus, I felt at home. Everyone was so friendly, and I loved the campus and school spirit. It was during that first on-campus visit that I absolutely fell in love with Tech and knew that it would be a great university to attend.

Did you always want to be an actor? Well, I majored in accounting, so this was definitely not the direction I planned on (and being an accountant, I was a planner!). My first job after grad school was working as a financial analyst at a defense company. During that time, I started taking acting classes and fell in love. Eventually, I made the “natural progression” into the wonderful world of entertainment. Changing careers was the hardest decision I ever made…and the best decision I ever made. What they say is true: “With great risk comes great reward.” I love acting because it’s an opportunity to use my creative side and my business background.

Where do you see yourself in five years? I see myself continuing to work as an actress and host. One of my dream jobs is to host an electronic gadget show (yes, I’m a tech junkie!). And, a lead role on a TV sitcom wouldn’t be so bad, either! Also, my husband and I plan to start a family soon.

You do so many different things. Which is your favorite, and what is it that makes your job interesting? I love all aspects of my job. The variety keeps life very interesting. One day I may be on the set of a TV show, the next day I may be doing a corporate training video for a bank, and the next day I may be doing voiceover work for a radio commercial. I’ve loved learning about a variety of industries and companies. It’s so much fun that I still can’t believe I get paid to do this work!

Your best memories of Tech: Some of my best memories involve cheering at the football and basketball games, playing intramural sports with Sigma Kappa, being on Student Government, working during the summer as an orientation leader, and especially the lasting friendships I made.

Your advice to tech freshmen today: Pursue your passion! I highly recommend finding what you’re passionate about and doing it -- whether you do that through your job or through volunteer or extracurricular activities. Never think that you are “stuck.” When Chris and I got married, our minister said something that has stayed with me: “Live life intentionally. Be intentional in everything you do.” We try to follow that advice.

How do you stay encouraged since most people think it's 'easy' to become a 'big star' overnight? After being in the industry for a while now, I definitely understand why people become “overnight successes” after 10 years. For every person you think became an overnight success, there is also usually a story about hard work, perseverance, and persistence for many years. So that is my recommendation — no matter what career you pursue — to work hard, be persistent, and learn all that you can about your job and your industry. Also…network!