Katie Doughty

Staff Q & A

Hometown: Greenland, Arkansas

Title: Access Coordinator – Administrative Analyst

Years of Service (UofA): 7 ½ years

Education: Currently pursuing my undergraduate degree in Human Resource and Workforce Development here at the U of A

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 at the University of Arkansas for 7 ½ years now.  Well, really my whole life because my dad worked up here for 30 + years, and I grew up thinking that the University was here just for me.  And my first job was as a cashier at the Razorback shop when I was a Jr. and Sr. in High School.

What I have enjoyed most about my time here are the friends and connections I have made – from students to co-workers.  I am very much a people person.  I truly enjoy all the interaction that I have with each and every person that comes through our office, and it is a hoot finding out that much of the time there is a six-degrees sort of connection I have with them.

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

Well, I had been working as a graphic artist and office manager for a local family-owned screen print shop for 12 years prior to getting my current position with the university.  Unfortunately, it could not support the number of employees at the time, so I elected to search out a new career.  I chose to apply at the university because I knew how much my dad loved working here on campus, and how much I loved being here as I was growing up.  That is when I got the call from Marsha Norvell asking me to come in for an interview

My role is as administrative support for the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Dean of Students.  I am a back up for Erin Butler, chief of staff for Student Affairs, and Ellen Kinnamon.  I also support Dr. Lori Lander and Dr. EmmaLe Davis with their administrative needs.  In addition, I oversee the Golden Tusk Award program, which has found a special place in my heart.  I love to recognize the hard work of those here on campus.

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

I’m not too sure about Student Affairs as a whole, but I can say that the greatest misconception for the Vice Chancellor and Dean of Students offices are that we are the principal’s office of the university.  We do have a role to play in conduct issues, but we are so much more than that.  We are a resource for students, and their families, in crisis.  We work with student leaders and serve as mentors.  Everything from U of A Cares to Student Events comes through our office.  Plus, working in this office, I have the advantage of knowing what is going on across campus and where the fun is. . .I love sharing that with students, staff, faculty, and parents.  I like to say “we’re the cool kids on campus.”  And it is always the best feeling in the world to pass on information about the resources and to endorse all the incredible programs we offer across Student Affairs.

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

Ha!  Well, I may look like a typical mom, but something you all may not know is that I LOVE hardcore punk and 70’s funk, I am a total product of the 80’s, and I am a queen of geek chic.  My youngest daughter and I enjoy Spooky Scary Saturdays where we have horror fests in my bedroom with a bucket of popcorn and all the Dr. Pepper floats you can handle.  My 20-year old son and I watch a lot of anime – Attack on Titan has a new season out in December!  My husband and I enjoy reading and watching all the latest and greatest fantasy and SyFy – from Marvel Universe to Game of Thrones to Lovecraft Country.   And we have even been known, as a family, to have dance nights or D&D weekends, too.

Let’s see, what else.  I always thought I had a black thumb until our time working remotely due to COVID.  Since then I started a garden with 4 types of mint, and I have so many houseplants that my family has forbidden me to bring home any more. . .and they are all still alive!  How about that.

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

Since I have been working in Student Affairs, I have really found my niche in admin support.  I love to assist and serve others.  I hope when people leave my office, they feel like they have been helped, that they know that they are valued, and that they feel like they have been heard.  I also have a love of making people smile.  So, I hope they remember the crazy lady that shared a goofy story or stupid “mom” joke.  I hope I was able to put them at ease if they were experiencing a trying time in their life.  And, I like to think they leave glad that they heard about us and stepped into our office.

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

Really, you want to go there. . .I am the most longwinded person I know.  I don’t think it would be fair to everyone if I were to add too much more, so I will just say that it is an absolute pleasure to work in such a dynamic and exciting division that engages our students, cares about our community, and takes care of each other.

Oh, and one last thing.  I have six cats.  S-I-X!  PLEASE, if you need a pet, call me!