Hunter Fountain
Student Q & A
Pronouns: He/Him
Hometown: Fayetteville, Arkansas
Year in School: Junior
College: College of Engineering
Major of Study: Computer Engineering B.S.
Tell us something about your academic passions and how those relate to your role in Student Affairs program or department?My two biggest academic
passions are learning and tinkering with computers. By being a student at the university, it has greatly expanded my knowledge base and skills due to the many opportunities and resources available to students. By working in the IT department at the Arkansas Union, I have been able to test the theory I learn in the classroom and apply it to practical situations I face with my job.
What has been your greatest experience outside of the classroom?
I would say it would be working at the Arkansas Union. Since the building is in the center of campus (literally and physically). I have the opportunity to meet and work with a wide range of people from so many different backgrounds. The Union hosts a lot of events for groups sponsored by the university (e.g. RSO’s, Student Affairs, Greek Life) and for outside groups as well. This enables me to meet experience new cultures or ideas that I wouldn’t otherwise have appreciated or learn about during my normal day to day life. Also I work with an incredible staff at the Arkansas Union. They have always treated me well and on occasion allowed me to work in our other departments. Such as fixing issues in the building with the maintenance team, setting-up or tearing-down rooms with the events team, or ensuring the building is clean with the custodial team. Overall, the experiences I have received from working at Union alone has better prepared me for the rest of my life!
What advice would you give new students about getting involved on campus?
New students should definitely bite the bullet and get involved in some way with campus. Whether that is getting a job, joining a club, or just attending events hosted by the university (e.g. athletic events, hack-a-thons, distinguished lectures). It has allowed me to stay in-touch with campus and to make new friends I wouldn’t have if I only went to my classes.
What do you like to do with your time outside of the university?
Well, if I’m not studying or hanging out with friends, I’m probably working on my vehicle or reading a good non-fiction book. The current book I’m reading is “How the Irish Saved Civilization” by Thomas Cahill. It is a short read, but very enlightening on Irish culture and its influence on western society during the dark ages.
When do you plan to graduate and what is coming next for you?
My current expectation is to graduate in the fall semester of 2024. Currently, I don’t have a job officially lined up at the moment. I plan to work either here in Northwest Arkansas, Little Rock, or somewhere out-of-state.
Is there anything else you would like to add or let our readers know?
In my opinion, the University is one of the last places where students can meet people and have new and unique experiences before they set out into the work force. From people I’ve talked to who have graduated already say “life”, to put it simply, makes it difficult to do so. So make the most of it while here at the university and nurture the relationships you have created while you here!