Ginny Perlman

Staff Q & A

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Hometown: born in Fort Smith, AR and grew up in Fort Smith and Fayetteville

Title: Division of Student Affairs Office Manager

Years of Service: 1 year as of March 1, 2023

Education: BA in Communications from the University of Arkansas

How long have you been at the University of Arkansas in Student Affairs? What have you enjoyed most about your time here?

I started working for the U of A on March 1, 2022, so almost a year! What I have enjoyed the most working here is the amazing people I work with. I love everything the Division of Student Affairs stands for. I also have really enjoyed being back on campus and working for the University where I graduated from. It feels good and I am proud of working in higher education.

Tell us a little about your role in Student Affairs. What brings you joy in this role?

My role in this position is to assist my team in helping them be as successful as possible. What brings me joy in this role is working with our students and families in helping them navigate challenges and difficult situations. I want the students to have a great experience attending the U of A. I also really enjoy working with and assisting my supervisors and colleagues to create a well-organized environment. I strive to anticipate the needs of my coworkers to make office life run as smoothly as possible. My greatest joy in the almost one year I’ve been here is coordinating our biannual Razorback Remembrance Event where we honor students that have passed. I really enjoyed every piece in planning this event with the utmost goal of making it as special as possible for families and friends.

What is the greatest misconception people have about Student Affairs and how do you break that?

I think the greatest misconception people have about Student Affairs is that some people think we’re here on campus to only assist during times of crises. While it’s important for our students to know we are here to help them navigate a problem or crises, it’s important for them to know that we are here to support them and advocate for them as well. We offer some diverse programs across Student Affairs that help to uplift students and make their experience at the U of A a memorable one.

What do you like to do with your time outside of the University?

My favorite hobby is traveling. I love spending time and making memories with my husband, two daughters, and puppy. We enjoy hiking, camping, skiing, riding bikes, dancing, soccer, basketball, and watching SEC football and basketball, especially Arkansas and Alabama. I am always up for adventure!

What do you hope students and colleagues will remember about your interactions?

I hope everyone I interact with knows they are valued and that they have been heard.

In doing this I make sure people’s needs are met as well as fulfilling my job duties. I hope students and colleagues will remember me for my kindness, hard work, honesty, and persistence. I want everyone that I encounter to feel that their time spent with me is a positive experience.

Is there anything else you would like to add or let our readers know?

A special quote to remember…

“My wish for you is that you continue. Continue to be who and how you are, to astonish a mean world with your acts of kindness.” – Maya Angelou