Emery Gower

Staff Q & A

Pronouns: He, Him

Hometown: Dardanelle, Arkansas

Title: Associate Director for the Office of Student Accountability

Years of Service: (UofA): 5 and a half (plus 2 and a half as a GA)

Education:

• A.A.S. in Intelligence Operations Studies (Cochise College)
• B.A. in Psychology (Arkansas Tech University)
• M.S. in Counseling (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 had my first experience with Student Affairs in 2014 when I was hired as the graduate assistant for Substance Education during my time in the Counseling program. I enjoyed the environment so much that I came back after working as a Mental Health Professional and have been with Student Affairs full time since February of 2018, first working in Substance Education and Alcohol Resources and then moving over to the Office of Student Accountability as the Investigator and eventually the Associate Director for the office.

I’ve enjoyed the culture of Student Affairs and feeling like you are part of a team with common goals even if you are doing very different jobs. Growing up in Arkansas I always wanted to work at the UofA and from just walking around campus to the feeling in town on a game day, its nice to be part of something that you know is bigger than just a job.

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

As the Associate Director for the Office of Student Accountability my primary job is to function as a Hearing Officer. In that role I meet with students who are alleged to have violated the Student Standards of Conduct and implement outcomes that are as educational and restorative as possible. I am involved in implementing supportive measures for victims of crimes of violence and administrative actions when there is a potential threat to campus safety. I also supervise the Case Management and Outreach Coordinator.

What brings me joy is being able to sit with a student while they go through what may be the hardest time in their life and help them come out on the other side in a place where they can take responsibility for their actions and grow from them.

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

I’m not sure about Student Affairs in general, but I know that with the office I work in many people assume we are strictly punitive and out to get students in trouble. Recently we have gone through a name change and with that there has been a shift in the way we present ourselves to make sure that students and families know that just because you have an incident where you are involved with the Office of Student Accountability, doesn’t mean it’s the end of the world or your time here as a student. I have always viewed our office as being a place where a student can make a mistake and come back from it.

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

I have a wife, Maegan, and two young sons, Marshall and Nolan, who I spend as much time as possible with. You can usually find us on family walks around our neighborhood or chalking on the sidewalk. I will watch just about any Razorback game no matter the sport and love hosting people on Saturdays in the fall. Having two little ones doesn’t leave me much time to myself, but when I can I like to play guitar and watch movies.

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

I hope that they see me as being genuine. Whether its working with students or relationships with colleagues I believe you will get the most out of each other if you are being authentic and really listening to people.

Is there anything else you would like to add or let our readers know?

Reach out if you have questions! Sometimes because of the nature of my office we may not seem as approachable as others on campus, but I always love being proactive in educating students, staff, and faculty on policy and procedures that may impact their time here at the University of Arkansas.

Editor’s Note: Emery Gower is a First Generation College Student. Read about our First Gen. Celebration.