Sarah Draine

Staff Q & A

Hometown: born in Ames, IA; attended high school in Omaha, NE  

Title: Director of College Access Initiative (CAI)

Years of Service (UofA): 6 (2009-2012 with Talent Search; 2016-present in this role)

Education both undergrad and grad schools if you have graduate degree: BA in Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln; MS in Counseling, University of Arkansas 

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

I started with Talent Search in 2009 (thank you Gina Ervin & Evelyn Fuller for that opportunity!), and returned in 2016 to join the College Access Initiative in the Center for Multicultural & Diversity Education (thank you Drs. Leslie Yingling & Charles Robinson for this opportunity!) So I’ve been in UA Student Affairs for 6+ total years in two shifts with a stint as a School Counselor in between.

I have most enjoyed working with and learning from a wide variety and diversity of students and colleagues both on campus and in schools across the state.

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

Through our work in sharing information and support as it relates to college readiness (via ACT preparation, college exploration & applications, scholarship & financial aid knowledge, etc.), I get the chance to help young people and their families and communities explore, consider, and pursue post-secondary opportunities. It brings me joy to know that our work helps change lives by revealing what is possible through future educational pursuits.

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

Many people are surprised to learn that we work in communities and schools across Arkansas, with thousands of students each year. We can continue to break that misconception by sharing about our work with both the campus community and our constituents across the state.

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

I enjoy spending time with my family (husband, Anthony and daughters (3.5 and 16 months), and friends at various local (and beyond) sights, events, eateries, etc.

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

I hope that students & colleagues will find me to be helpful. Also, that I love learning about people, new opportunities, and making connections, even, and especially in unlikely places.

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

Thank you for your good work to ensure that students feel a connection to this place! I feel privileged to get to choose this work, and to work with each of you for the good of our students, institution, and the state!