Sage McCoy
Staff Q & A
Hometown: Conway, AR
Title: Food Programs Coordinator, Center for Community Engagement
Years of Service (UofA): Been here since 2012, full time staff since July 2019
Education:
- B.A. Psychology (2016), U of A
- M.Ed Higher Ed & Student Affairs (2019), 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 involved in UA Student Affairs in some capacity since 2013. As an undergrad, I was a ROCK Camp mentor summer 2013, 2014, and 2015! After taking graduating with my BA in Psychology and taking a year off of school, I returned to pursue my Master’s of Higher Education and had the opportunity to serve as a Graduate Assistant with the Associated Student Government within the Office of Student Activities. I’ve also served as a graduate intern at the Center for Multicultural and Diversity Education! As of July 15th, 2019, I am the Food Programs Coordinator for the Center for Community Engagement.
From undergrad involvement to currently being a young professional, I love the opportunity to learn and grow alongside my students. I am authentic in my advising and mentoring, which allows for transparent, meaningful relationships with my students. We grow through life together. 18 – 22 is a really special time to be a positive influence in someone’s life.
Tell us a little about your role in Student Affairs. What brings you joy in this role?
I advise and develop the 18 student leaders that run the Jane B. Gearhart Full Circle Food Pantry and the Razorback Food Recovery Program. I meet with them regularly, one-on-one and in small groups to ensure they have the tools they need to thrive in their leadership roles.
Student growth is slow, subtle, and steady. Those moments when I look back and realize how far a student has come in such a short amount of time brings me so much joy. They come to me needing help writing emails or with little to no confidence in their own decision making and they leave creating programs, making meaningful change, and newfound, exciting confidence.
What is the greatest misconception people have about Student Affairs and how do you break that?
I think a big misconception is that we have to put on these perfect faces for our students and behave with the utmost professionalism (whatever that means). My students learn the most from my mistakes and from me living my life outloud. That’s something I really love and admire about Angela Oxford and her leadership for the CCE. We are encouraged to show up as our full human selves and our students then are able to feel comfortable coming to us as full humans.
What do you like to do with your time outside of the University?
I spend my time outside when it’s nice. Inside with my cats when it’s cold. My family and I try to go on road trips to national parks at least twice a year – our favorite is Rocky Mountain National Park, but I fell in love with Big Bend National Park a couple years ago! When it’s not pandemic times we also love going to camping music festivals and other live music events!
What do you hope students and colleagues will remember about your interactions?
PJ Martinez was one of my supervisors during my GA, and he always said his goal was for every student or colleague to leave his office “feeling heard, seen, and loved.” And that always really resonated with me. So that’s my hope. That people feel genuinely heard, seen, and loved. M .,
Is there anything else you would like to add or let our readers know?
The Full Circle Food Pantry serves anyone with a UA or UAMS ID – students, staff, faculty, hourly, whoever! There’s no shame in picking up a few groceries to help make that paycheck stretch a little further. Some people come see us once. Some come by every week. Some once or twice a semester! Our students and volunteers take confidentiality and dignity very seriously. Come by if you ever need a little help. Or contact me and I can get you more discreet food assistance if that makes you more comfortable 😊