A familiar face has taken on new responsibilities for Sternberg Museum of Natural History.

Victoria (Torie) Staros has assumed the position of administrative specialist left vacant by the departure of Amy Klein. She is responsible for the financial record-keeping of the museum, oversees the day-to-day operation of the business office, and coordinates the scheduling of facility rentals.

Staros moved to Hays from Chicago to attend Fort Hays State University in 2012. While some may think the dramatic change from metropolitan to western Kansas would be somewhat of a cultural shock, Staros simply said “she fell in love with Hays and decided to stay.”

Visitors to Sternberg will recognize Staros as the friendly face that greeted them at the front desk. She initially started as a volunteer in October of 2022 and was then hired as a temporary part-time employee at the front desk and in the museum gift shop. Her new position will be full-time, which Staros said is like a “dream come true.”

“I’m very happy,” she said. “It’s very exciting being in this environment. I love the people here and am looking forward to building my future with Sternberg Museum.”