Quincy Spencer
Staff Q & A
Hometown: Crowley, Louisiana (Southwest Louisiana)
Year of Service: 13 years
Title: Director of New Student & Family Programs
Education: Northwestern State University – BA – Political Science, MA – Student Personnel Services
University of Arkansas (Ed D Candidate – Higher Education)
Q: How long have you been at the University of Arkansas in Student Affairs? What have you enjoyed most about your time here?
13 years in UARK Student Affairs
I have enjoyed my entire experience and getting to work with amazing colleagues and staff has been the highlight of my time at UARK. The amount of time and energy that they put into their work is commendable and is so appreciated by our great students and families.
Q: Tell us a little about your role in Student Affairs. What brings you joy in this role?
As the director of new student & family programs, I get the opportunity to work with prospective, new and returning students and families. It really is amazing working with students from the beginning of the college choice process all the way to the end of graduation. Our office works to make sure that all students can transition into the institution and be successful both inside and outside of the classroom.
With parents and families, we are there to support them in supporting their student through this new thing called college and it can be very stressful for them, but we try to make them feel more comfortable with sending their students to Arkansas and being away from them and having them grow up into real adults. Seeing how proud and excited they are when they talk about their students is one of the many things that brings me joy in this position.
Q: What is the greatest misconception people have about Student Affairs and how do you break that?
I think most people outside of higher education, don’t really understand what we do, so I try to make sure and explain to them how we contribute to the college experience for students and families. I am always quick to correct people when they try to pigeon hole all of us into one area in student affairs, so its good to have that elevator speech ready to go when you have to explain student affairs.
Q: What do you like to do with your time outside of the University?
I am very involved with my professional organization and currently serving on the executive committee, so it’s like having another fulltime job. I am also writing a dissertation to complete my doctorate degree, so that takes up a lot of my time these days.
Q: What do you hope students and colleagues will remember about your interactions?
I hope that they remember me as always being fun and energetic while also be a very hard worker. I enjoy making everyone laugh and enjoy their time with me and my department.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to add or let our readers know?
The work that we do can be life changing for students and we have the opportunity to truly impact them at a very impressionable point in their lives, so I hope that all student affairs practitioners know how important we are to the student experience.