Emerald Hames

Staff Q & A

Pronouns: She/her

Hometown: Eureka, CA

Title: Director of Career Education

Years of Service: 13 years

Education:

• University of California Berkeley BA Anthropology
• University of Arkansas M.Ed Higher Education

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

I have been with the Offices of Career Connections for almost two years now.  I have been in my current position for 6 months.

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

As the Director of Career Education, my role focuses on cross-campus collaboration to help students articulate how their skills and experiences prepared them for life beyond the university. I work to ensure that students have the language and confidence to communicate their experiences effectively, whether in networking settings, job & internship applications, interviews, or other professional settings. Through programming, resources and partnerships with faculty, staff, student leaders and employers, I help bridge the gap between college experiences and career readiness.

What brings me joy in this role is empowering the professionals around me. I love seeing my coworkers successfully execute their programs and projects. Being part of that process—watching them develop, thrive in their careers, and make an impact—makes this work incredibly rewarding.

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

Student Affairs is often seen as handling all the “fun stuff”—and while we do, there is a method to the madness. We are actively teaching students vital skills they will need beyond campus. The creation and adoption of the UA Career-Ready Skills tags in HogSync has helped students and other campus offices clearly see some of the skills that Student Affairs is working to develop in our students. This project has really allowed me to better “show” anyone I am talking with what it is that Student Affairs does for students.

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

Outside of the University, I enjoy knitting, reading, and spending time with my dogs. These activities help me unwind and bring a sense of creativity and relaxation to my day.

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

I hope my students and colleagues leave with a sense of their own incredible capabilities. I am fortunate to work with amazing people who are deeply dedicated to serving our students. I also work with students who are exploring what their life beyond the University of Arkansas could look like. I want them to recognize their strength and potential, and I hope my time with them serves as a reminder of these qualities.