Sam Gibby

Staff Q & A

Hometown: Born in Little Rock (father was in Air Force stationed there). I’ve lived in NWA for the past 10 years, but have lived in Virginia Beach, VA, Springfield, MO and Charleston, SC.

Title: Broadcast Engineer (although most days I’m the Tech Guru for all of Student Media)

Years of Service (UofA): 5.5 years

Education:

• M.A. in Communication (Digital Media) – Regent University (VA Beach, VA)
• M.A. in PreDoctoral Biblical Interpretation – Regent University (VA Beach, VA)
• B.A. in Biblical Studies – Central Bible College (Springfield, MO)

How long have you been at the University of Arkansas in Student Affairs? What have you enjoyed most about your time here?

I’ve been in Student Affairs my entire time with the University (5.5 years). I have enjoyed my interaction with students the most. Not only do I get to provide students with technical skills that they can utilize in the wider world of Journalism and Media, I have the opportunity to mentor students.

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

My primary job with Student Media is to keep UATV and KXUA on the air, which means making sure all our lights, cameras, and microphones are working so our students can be seen and heard. It requires lots of attention to detail and the ability to multitask. I also spend time with the other media outlets within Student Media providing technical and computer support. Our most recent venture is developing a live production team through Main Hill Media that would allow us to support campus student events. We hope to be fully operational for the upcoming school year.

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

I think the greatest misconception people have with Student Affairs is that our role in college life does not provide the rigorous training students need to enter the workforce. While it’s true that we’re not teaching students how to analyze data points or properly cross-breed plant seeds to create a stronger and move viable plant, we are teaching them the soft skills needed to move up in the workforce. Regardless of our role in Student Affairs, we have the ability to affect students’ interactions with peers, potential employers, and government agencies. We are likely the first and last interactions that students have with university life and we in Student Affairs will make an impact on their careers (and lives) just as much as what they are learning in the classrooms or the labs.

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

I am married and have 2 young kids (8 and 12), one of which is on the Autism spectrum. So they keep us busy. There’s lots of Disney+ and LEGOs.  I also love to read. Even though I’m no longer pursuing my PhD studies in Church history and theology, I still enjoy reading all the books and having deep theological conversations (mostly within my own head).

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

I hope students walk away from interactions with me feeling heard. I hope I can help shine a little more light on their path. This is such a formative time in students’ lives as they assert their newfound freedoms or begin to search for who they really are. It’s in these moments that I hope I can provide a moment of peace in the midst of the crazy college life, a judgment free zone for them to talk through ideas, maybe even a word of wisdom to help provide some perspective in their world.

For my colleagues, I hope they walk away with the same type of interactions. We are all here for the students, but sometimes, we even need a break from the students’ crazy college life. A funny kid moment, a good laugh, a simple “you’re doing great” is what I hope they walk away with.

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

I’m a bit of an introvert, so please don’t think I’m rude if I don’t talk much. But, if we hit it off, you may regret getting me to talk. If you ask me a question about theology or some of the ancient liturgical practices of the Church, make sure you bring your coffee and a comfy seat. J

Our Student Media Center (while it still seems news) is only about 3 years old, the KXUA radio station has only been operational in their new space for just over a year! If you haven’t seen it, come by. I’d love to give you a tour and let you take a peek behind the curtain to see how television and radio works.