Dr. Robert Stagni
Staff Q & A
Hometown: New Orleans, LA
Title: Director of the Arkansas Union
Years of Service (UofA): 6
Education: BBA in Accounting from Texas A&M University (2005), MS in Education from Indiana University (2009), EdD in Higher Education from the University of Arkansas (2019)
Q: How long have you been at the University of Arkansas in Student Affairs? What have you enjoyed most about your time here?
I came to Arkansas about six years ago to run the Arkansas Union and have enjoyed almost every moment of my job since. It’s been fascinating and energizing to see the university grow and change even in my relatively short tenure here. The people are fantastic, the students are energetic and involved, and the team at the Arkansas Union have proven themselves to be among the best anywhere.
Q: Tell us a little about your role in Student Affairs. What brings you joy in this role?
My role is best described as “anything and everything within the Union.” Our team is responsible for the facility itself, as well as supporting the ten thousand events and reservations that take place in the building on a yearly basis. We plan, we budget, and we keep things running so student organizations and departments can have great events and activities in the Union. Seeing students realize the full potential of this facility – its meeting spaces, food service areas, study spots, and more – brings me immeasurable joy. While the work has looked a bit differently the last few months, the mission remains the same: make the Union the center of campus life, and ensure all are welcome.
Q: What is the greatest misconception people have about Student Affairs and how do you break that?
We are a unit of the university that directly supports its academic mission. While we are not necessarily lecturing at the front of classrooms (and some of us actually are), we are ensuring students have a successful, well-rounded academic experience. Our programs and services deliver support to students in need, enrichment to our campus life, compliance with regulations and laws, and a critical sense of belonging that contributes directly to academic persistence and graduation rates. Without a thorough student affairs program, universities would see huge drops in critical measures of student success. The Union will play an especially pivotal role this coming semester, as we’ve turned over multiple spaces to the Registrar to assist with holding larger in-person class sections.
Q: What do you like to do with your time outside of the University?
My wife Laura and I enjoy the trails, parks, and museums in and around Northwest Arkansas. You can also find us hunting for bargains at a craft fair and working on projects at home. A weekend trip to one of the larger nearby cities is always good for entertainment as well!
Q: What do you hope students and colleagues will remember about your interactions?
We’ve been talking quite a bit the last couple of years about renovation and expansion. It’s my hope that people understand that a larger, well-planned Arkansas Union doesn’t benefit me, as much as it will benefit all of the departments and offices housed in the building – as well as the millions of people who will continue to walk through our front doors annually. A well-thought-out union program is an essential component of a great college campus.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add or let our readers know?
The Arkansas Union exists to serve the entire campus community, and that’s well-reflected in our data on who uses our spaces and services. Anyone is always welcome to contact us with questions, or to reach out to us on our (very lively) social media accounts at @ArkansasUnion.