As I reflect on the Fall semester, I’m continuously reminded of how thankful I am for the great team we have in the Division of Student Affairs. This Division considers the student in every aspect of the work we do.
The Pat Walker Health Center has been providing compassionate care to the campus community for 20 years. This November marked the anniversary when the doors opened on the new center in Nov. 2004. The construction was made possible by a $3 million gift from the Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation. In 2018 another $1 million gift from the Foundation allowed further expansion of the facility, including three new classrooms and the suicide prevention program in Counseling and Psychological Services.
In our department highlight this month we feature the Arkansas Union. This building serves as the central hub of activity for campus, and the building staff take great pride in the work they do for campus every day. From housing Student Affairs offices and programming, to providing space for classes, and hosting Orientation, Career Fairs and banquets, the Union is constantly buzzing with activity. With thousands of events and millions of people coming through the doors looking to connect with programs, resources and services, the Union and its team are a great provider to the entire campus community.
Our staff Q&A subject for December is Lance Grigsby, Assistant Director of Operations for the Arkansas Union. Lance is one of those staff members who works to ensure the Arkansas Union is prepared to meet the many needs of the overall campus community. He leads the Custodial and Sustainability teams in the Union, and said he loves seeing how his work in Student Affairs translates directly into student engagement and education.
I’m excited that Loria Oliver has joined the Division of Advancement as the new director of development for the Division of Student Affairs. Loria brings more than 20 years of fundraising, communications, and public relations experience to the University of Arkansas. She has a wealth of experience as a philanthropy professional that will help us reach our goals and support the many programs and scholarships that directly impact students.
With the new year approaching that means it is nearing scholarship time. Student Affairs touches the lives of every student at the U of A, no matter what College they might attend. We award more than 175 scholarships to students every year that support them in many ways. Students can apply for our scholarships starting Jan. 1, and the applications remain open through Feb.15. Anyone can give to these scholarships at any time of the year.
I would love to hear from you! If you have questions about what you have read here, or if you have ideas for stories you would like to see in this space, please email me jbattje@uark.edu or give me a call at 479-575-5007.