Helene Wommack

Staff Q & A

Hometown: born in New Jersey, grew up in Pine Bluff, AR

Title: Greek Life Office Manager/HEI Program Coordinator

Years of Service (UofA): 8 years

Education: · Bachelor of Arts in Sociology- BS in Clothing and Textiles from UA Fayetteville

How long have you been at the University of Arkansas in Student Affairs?  

I have worked at the University since January, 2013, in the Greek Life department.

What have you enjoyed most about your time here?

It has been a wonderful experience being back at my alma mater, feeling such a part of this great University, and how UofA is viewed in such high regard in neighboring states and around the country.  I love seeing the sense of community that the Greek Life office creates, the partnership within the Councils and among the Councils.  Working in academia has been a new experience for me, as my background is in the corporate world.  I’m always learning new perspectives from my colleagues, and am inspired by the dedication and intentional learning experiences our director Parice Bowser brings to her work.  I love having conversations with our students, learning about their majors and career plans, and about their hometowns.

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

As office manager, I run the business of the office – supporting the director and staff, managing and preparing budget reports, compiling/maintaining accuracy of student records and grade reports, preparing/managing semi-annual collection of the Greek Fee to fund our department, and planning departmental events and special projects.  I really enjoy my responsibilities with planning our departmental and special events – – TealGate tailgates for the entire University community during It’s On Us Week, annual staff retreats with team-building experiences, semi-annual Campus Life professional development luncheons, Greek Alumni Advisory Board meetings, and participation on SA committees, to name a few.  Once we can travel again, I look forward to planning events for alumni/parents/students beginning in Little Rock and Dallas.

I enjoy being part of a team effort to provide quality attention/experiences and education to our Greek student leaders.  It’s fun to come to work every day, and the students keep me young!

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

I just want to brag about our Greek students!  Every week, I am fielding calls and emails from employers and members of the community who want to be in contact with Greek students.  Employers recognize that these students “show exemplary leadership skills and the drive to succeed in a fast-paced environment.” (Actual quote from an Amazon recruiter!)  Community organizations contact us several times a week wanting Greek students to help with their community service and philanthropy needs.  Businesses want to put their products and services in front of our students, knowing the power of their buying impact in the community. 

I have seen our students devote so much time to being leaders in their organizations and in our Greek community, maintaining high GPAs, and working to pay for their Greek experiences.  It hurts my heart to see the knee-jerk reactions that if something goes wrong, people think it must be because Greek students are involved.  It’s an unfair stereotype.  To counter these stereotypes, our department is publishing more news releases to highlight the good work our students do.  As part of Student Affairs, we in Greek Life pour positivity into our students, providing them with leadership and development opportunities, to build them up to become great leaders.  This is how we contribute to Student Success! 

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

I love to read, watch movies, walk and hike with my husband, play with my grandson, and visit with friends and family.  I’m active as treasurer of my alumnae chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta, and we are very active in supporting our national philanthropy Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) here in NWA. 

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

I hope students and colleagues will feel that I’ve treated them with respect, kindness and a smile, and have been helpful to them.

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

I lived in Dallas for over 30 years, returning to Arkansas in 2012.  Ever since my daughter began as a student at UofA in 2010, I thought it would be so much fun to “go back to college” and work for my alma mater.  My husband and I enjoy going to the football games, attending the Distinguished Lecturer Series, and exploring all the amazing features that Northwest Arkansas has to offer.  NWA has become a family affair – my daughter, son, and son-in-law have graduated from UofA, my younger sister moved here, my sister-in-law and her husband retired here, my mother-in-law now lives here, and my daughter and son-in-law moved back to Fayetteville too.