Tia King

Staff Q & A

Hometown: I was born in Mena, AR and loved it, but I have lived in NWA so long that I now consider it home.

Title: Administrative Assistant III, University Housing

Years of Service (UofA): 9 years

Education:

• Bachelor of Arts in History

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

I have worked in Student Affairs almost 10 years. What I enjoy most is getting to work with my team in Housing and other departments on campus to help students be successful during their time at the University and beyond. 

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

I work for University Housing in the Assignments Office, and we start working with students and parents almost a year before they even come to campus. Then we get to help them while they navigate their first steps into becoming an independent adults. Our office is so much more than just assigning them a place to live and making sure that they are getting enough to eat. Each new class brings with it its own set of uniqueness so, even though it is cyclical, the problems we resolve and issues we face are always changing. Finding long term solutions that helps a student stay in school and graduate on time always brings me joy. Then again, just helping someone add dining dollars to their meal plan makes me happy because I know that I helped them get something that they needed to make their day be a little less stressful. I can honestly say that I get to home every evening knowing that I have helped someone.

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

I think a great misconception is that Student Affairs is only for first year, on campus students. Our campus is very diverse, and Student Affairs is there for all students whether they are a first-year student, a non-traditional student with a family, or a veteran that needs additional resources. Everyone has a need to belong and that is what Student Affairs does- it helps everyone find their own path to success while meeting their individual need to actively be a part of something.

I see people in every department working to help all students find their place on campus. Student Affairs cares about each student that attends the University, and they work every day to help students break that misconception.

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

My husband and I really enjoy being with friends and listening to live music. I am so glad that I live in an area where I could go sit, enjoy a drink, and listen to a band or someone playing live on any given night. My husband and I also enjoy spending time with our adult children, currently that includes playing in an adult kickball league. We are also big Razorback fans that host a watch party almost every weekend.

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

I really hope that they felt that I listened, treated them with kindness and respect and, of course, that I was helpful.