“People find it fascinating that we are not only married but work together, and have worked together for longer than we’ve been married. But most people do meet in the work place, so it’s not that uncommon,” explains Art about his relationship with Sandy. The two met while working in the Lieutenant Governor’s Office over 20 years ago. “He was the Chief of Staff and my boss at the time,” explains Sandy. “We worked very well together and complemented each other professionally.”
Art took notice of Sandy first, “I thought she was cute; however, being the boss, there are legal issues, so we were friends long before we became romantically involved.” The two kept their relationship quiet but eventually made it public and made the decision to start a consulting business together.
“We wanted to continue to work together,” said Sandy. “We both have different strengths and weaknesses that were evident. Art is a visionary, big picture kind of person…I’m a very detailoriented type of person.” The Cottons took that dynamic combination and put it to work for several organizations and now work for University Advancement at Oklahoma City University.
What has been successful for them professionally has also been effective personally. “We’ve taken a great working relationship and in turn, used those same traits to build a strong marriage,” explains Sandy. “And believe it or not, we love being together! We’re best friends. When we have time off I can’t think of anyone I’d rather spend time with than Art!”
When the Cotton’s married, they also brought together four children from previous marriages. “It’s our belief that one of the reasons our marriage has been so successful is that our children truly love each other,” said Art. “Sandy’s two kids were older, and mine were much younger. But, the older kids adored the little ones and vice versa. As they’ve grown up, they are still best friends.”
Art and Sandy feel fortunate to work around university students and find themselves the topic of much conversation among the young people they interact with on a daily basis. “We love to hang out with the students because it helps keep us young. I want the students to not only see that we work together, but that we love each other,” said Sandy. “To see us holding hands and expressing our love…seeing us respecting each other…they can tell that we care about each other.”
“Most people are going to get married and they need role models because obviously fifty percent of marriages today don’t work but most people try again and get it right. We both tried again and I found the love of my life,” Art adds. “The students are a big part of our life; we are a part of their life and their college experience.”