Dr. Mary A. Wyandt-Hiebert
Staff Q & A
Hometown: Born in Pennsylvania
Title: Director, Sexual and Relationship Violence Center
Years of Service: 25 years (almost 26 years)
Education: Degrees from University of Pittsburgh (BS, psychology), The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State; Med, health education), University of Arkansas (PhD, health science); certifications as Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES), Credentialed Advocate (CA) at Advance Level with specializations in sexual assault and college campuses; Certified Wellness and Health Coach (CWHC). Also, a Fellow of the American College Health Association.
How long have you been at the University of Arkansas in Student Affairs? What have you enjoyed most about your time here?
Having been with Student Affairs at the University for almost 26 years, helping and mentoring students is what I enjoy most. Whether I have helped through victim advocacy, teaching, mentoring, or in some other away, being privileged to be a part of a student’s fabric of life, no matter how big or small my part has been is the most rewarding experience of which I am honored to serve.
Tell us a little about your role in Student Affairs. What brings you joy in this role?
Having been with Student Affairs for a considerable time, I have had the honor to play a significant role in the development of the SRVC over time and contribute to its ongoing growth to meet student need. Sexual and relationship violence are not areas that many want to deal with, but I value that the University supports having the SRVC on campus through Student Affairs. What brings me the most joy in my role as Director of the SRVC is witnessing firsthand when a student finds their voice, takes control, and is no longer the victim, but becomes the survivor. It is a humbling experience, and I am grateful that students have allowed me to be a part of their healing journey.
What is the greatest misconception people have about Student Affairs and how do you break that?
I think that people see a lot of the festive events and perceive Student Affairs as dealing mostly with fun activities for students. Thus, students and others don’t always know of the many life-changing and enhancing services available through Student Affairs, not only in times of distress, but also just overall supportiveness toward student success. To help counter this, through the SRVC, we provide a lot of outreach across campus and heavily identify as being a part of Student Affairs. Whatever opportunity presents, a simple passing conversation to a large program to victim advocacy work, our identity as part of Student Affairs is recognized.
What do you like to do with your time outside of the University?
My family is a Girl Scout family. All of us, including my husband, are active registered members of the Girl Scouts. Mentoring today’s girls as they grow to be tomorrow’s women is very worthy of engagement as a family. In addition, I and my family are very active with our church and our daughter’s school. I also volunteer a lot with our neighborhood POA and the sharing of my time and talents with several charitable organizations. At home, I enjoy family time, which is central to my life, whether playing in the backyard, gardening among our many flower and vegetable beds, cooking or grilling, sitting around the fire, splashing in the pool, or just hanging out and having conversation.
What do you hope students and colleagues will remember about your interactions?
As a victim advocate, I am not concerned about if someone specifically remembers me, but rather that my interaction with someone lends the support needed along their path of healing. To put it simply, it’s not about me, it’s about the one I am interacting with and meeting their need.
Is there anything else you would like to add or let our readers know?
Life can teach you a lot if you recognize the lessons to be learned. I have learned: Live life to the fullest. Miracles do happen. All have value. And today may not be good, but a new day will come.