Carissa Kelly
Staff Q & A
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Hometown: Little Rock, AR
Title: Assistant Director of Greek Life
Years of Service: 8 years total, 6 years professionally and 2 years as a Graduate Assistant
Education: A Bachelor of Arts in Journalism (emphasis Broadcast) & African American Studies and a Master of Science in Operations Management, both 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 in the Greek Life Leadership Center in 2014 as a Graduate Assistant. After graduating with my Masters, I was immediately hired as the Assistant Director of Greek Life in 2017. Over the past 8 years, my biggest enjoyment has come from the students that I have had the privilege of working with. Meeting and developing intentional relationships with students from various backgrounds has always been my favorite part of my job. We have conversations about life and learn lessons beyond the classroom. I am thankful for their vulnerability and authenticity. My office is always a place where students can be themselves. The best part about these relationships is that they go beyond their undergraduate experience and are still here today. I often tell them that as much as I have poured into you, you have poured just as much into me.
Tell us a little about your role in Student Affairs. What brings you joy in this role?
As the Assistant Director of Greek Life, I provide support and guidance to our Greek Students. My primary job is to advise our Panhellenic Council (over 5,500 women), where I communicate and develop relationships with various stakeholders, implement both educational and social programming that addresses diversity, risk management, health and wellness and leadership development. The Panhellenic Council is an organization created by women, for women. As an advocate of women’s empowerment, it brings me so much joy to provide direct support to these students. Seeing our women serving in significant leadership roles, prioritizing academic success, serving both the campus and local community, all while balancing life, has always left me in awe.
What is the greatest misconception people have about Student Affairs and how do you break that?
Oftentimes, others will assume that student development is limited to the classroom, and that is not the case. The work that we do and the support that we provide is just as vital to the overall success of our students. All students don’t learn the same and providing a space where they can engage in hands-on experiences is a major key in the development of life after college. While sharing data is a wonderful way to break this misconception, I think hearing directly from students and acknowledging their testimonies can also help. The proof is out there, and the best contributors are beyond the numbers; others must be willing to accept it to assist in breaking the stigma.
What do you like to do with your time outside of the University?
I thoroughly enjoy spending time with both friends and family. This often looks like traveling home to visit or taking trips to create new memories with those I love the most. The work we do can be busy and time consuming but carving out time each morning to run and focus on my physical health has made a world of a difference in my overall well-being. Last but certainly not least, nothing makes me smile more than weekly FaceTime dates with my niece.
What do you hope students and colleagues will remember about your interactions?
I hope they remember my authenticity and ability to create intentional relationships.
Is there anything else you would like to add or let our readers know?
Going Greek completely changed my life. It created a space for me to learn and grow beyond the classroom, develop lifelong relationships, join a cherished sisterhood, employment post grad and so much more. It is my hope that students everywhere find the same joy that this experience has provided me.