Eris

Staff Q & A

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Hometown: Born in Stuttgart, Germany but I consider Fayetteville, AR my hometown

Title: Creative Services Manager

Years of Service: 4 years

Education: BA in Photography – University of Arkansas, AAS in Graphic Design – Northwest Arkansas Community College

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 working at Student Affairs in some capacity for over eight years. The first four years were as a student graphic designer. What I’ve enjoyed most has been the journey. My job and Student Affairs interaction has grown over the years. It’s now a very involved communications job with added student mentorship.

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

I am the webmaster for the Division of Student Affairs. I am also involved in the monthly Bulletin newsletter and all of the stories within. My favorite responsibility has to do with the student graphic designers that I mentor.

I started my time in Student Affairs in their position and in the same office. It is my joy and honor to be able to guide and critique these new designers as they produce work for the division. Watching the progression from introductory designer to an after-college design-job is the most rewarding thing that I’ve ever experienced.

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

People tend to see the small part of Student Affairs that they are familiar with. They fail to see the whole organization.

Student Affairs has so much to do with events, medical, housing, food, and communications with students and parents. Our organization is so important to the quality of student experience, but people tend to miss the scope of our group.

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

I am the curator/director of 131 Inclusion Gallery. It’s an artistic promotion group that is aimed primarily at promoting local artists that are normally not represented. We are also excited to promote artists that come from underrepresented or marginalized communities. We have done shows, events, panels, and published a book.

I am a guitarist who has produced lots of music and played shows across the country.

I am a filmmaker who has created many works and is currently in production on two films.

I hike every weekend. The woods around Northwest Arkansas are the absolute best.

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

I would love to believe that people will remember me as a person that added quality to their lives. This quality could be knowledge, laughter, or a sense of caring.

All we can do is be present, show people respect during our interactions, do what we say we’re going to do, own our mistakes and do our best to rectify them.

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

The Northwest Arkansas community is a wildly diverse community with room for anyone from any background. I grew up poor in this area and it has taken me in and made me feel like I’m home. This campus has embraced this First-Generation student turned full-time employee in a way I’d never have predicted. Don’t be afraid to expand your scope and accept the differences.