Kaitlyn Riggin

Staff Q & A

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Hometown: Born in Armorel, AR and grew up in Weiner, AR

Title: Case Manager of U of A Cares

Years of Service: 1.5 years and counting!

Education: I attended the University of Central Arkansas in Conway for my bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

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

I started my position in August 2021, so a year & a half! My favorite part of working in Student Affairs are the connections I get to make with colleagues and students across the campus. I love higher education, and being able to provide a safe space for students to come for support when they’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck is so fulfilling.

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

My role as the case manager for U of A Cares includes working with students who have extenuating circumstances or crises that occur during their time at the UA and may need support. I connect students with resources on campus and in the community and help navigate academic processes. I also supervise two graduate assistants–that is one of my favorite responsibilities!

Working with students is my favorite part of this role. I love being able to help students find the best path forward and connect with support they may not have known about before. Coming from a rural town with just about 700 people and being a transfer student in my undergraduate career, I know how difficult the transition to college can be, and I’m thankful I get to support students and remind them they are not alone.

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

I think the two biggest misconceptions about Student Affairs are that we don’t offer help navigating academics and that we are only here in times of major life events. I tell all the students I see that my door is always open if they ever have questions or need support throughout the semester—we are here for YOU!

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

I love to go thrifting and visit garage/yard sales on the weekends! I also like to walk the trails in the area and find the best hole-in-the-wall spots to eat. Really anything local or quirky, I’m there for it! When I’m at home, I like to do puzzles and hang out with my two cats—Penelope and Jeep.

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

My hope is that people will leave our interactions knowing they truly matter to our community, and that they have an advocate and support system in me, both as a human and as a student case manager.

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

“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek. We are the hope…” – Barack Obama

I used to think I never had any patience…until I harness trained my two cats to take on walks! Never underestimate yourself!