Trisha Blau
Staff Q & A
Pronouns: she/her
Hometown: Leoti, Kansas
Title: Assistant Director for Programming for the Office of Student Activities
Years of Service: 13 years
Education: I got my undergraduate degree in Integrated Marketing Communication from Wichita State University and Master of Education, in Higher Education from the 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 have worked in the Office of Student Activities the entire time I have been at the U of A. What I have enjoyed the most, is the people I have met during my time here. This includes the students, staff, and faculty. I have had the opportunity to work with some amazing students that want to make a difference at the University and in the world. They are driven and I love to see them grow and pursue their dreams. As far as staff members I have been able to meet some of my best friends here and they continue to positively effect my life and have been here when I needed them the most.
Tell us a little about your role in Student Affairs. What brings you joy in this role?
I work directly with University Programs and the Headliners Concert Committee. My students bring me the most joy. I love watching them grow and develop those important skills that will benefit them during their time at the university and beyond. I love seeing their excitement when an event they have worked on is successful and enjoyed by their fellow students.
What is the greatest misconception people have about Student Affairs and how do you break that?
I think sometimes people don’t see the value in the events that happen on campus. However, I see on a daily basis the important skills my students develop (teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, budget management, communication (written and verbal), time management etc.) while planning and facilitating an event. I also know that the students in attendance get exposure to new topics and experiences, meet people they may not get to on their own, and take a needed break from the stresses that go along with being a student. It is not unusual for me to hear from a student that is doing the job search that they were able to talk about their University Programs and Headliners experiences during the interview process or to have a former student reach out to tell me how they used their experience with UP and Headliners in their career.
What do you like to do with your time outside of the University?
I love to travel (will be visiting my 50th state this summer) and spending time with my friends and family. During football and basketball season you will find me cheering for my teams. I also co-lead a girl scout troop.
What do you hope students and colleagues will remember about your interactions?
I hope my students and colleagues will remember that I truly cared about them and the University of Arkansas. I hope they will remember a person that they could count on and that I always gave my very best.
Is there anything else you would like to add or let our readers know?
University Programs enjoys co-sponsoring events with other departments and student organizations so if you have an idea for an event please reach out and I can direct you to the student chair that would be programming the possible event.