Quincy Carpenter first saw the University of Arkansas through the eyes of a professor in Virginia.

Carpenter was earning an undergraduate degree at Hampton University and the professor, Aaron Livingston, had attended camps at the U of A as a kid. Livingston loved the area and passed that sentiment down to Carpenter. 

When it came time to pursue a master's degree, Carpenter dug deeper and found that the U of A had a great reputation in his chosen field: sport management.

"We're a program on the rise," he said. "Students can come in and get a lot of work experience, especially if they're interested in the SEC."

Carpenter graduates from the U of A next month, and he already has a foot in the door to be a paid intern in a prestigious athletic department.

To help build his sport management muscle, Carpenter has taken advantage of the many opportunities for growth available in the department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation. He was among the first ambassadors chosen by the department to represent fellow students. He's a listening ear among his peers and represents well the U of A to prospective students. Carpenter gives tours of the HPER building, introduces potential students to athletic faculty members and familiarizes them with the program.

Carpenter is also an ambassador for the International Studies program at the U of A and a leader in the Black Graduate Student Association, where he works with students and student athletes who might want to attend the U of A.

He enjoys the public relations aspect of his various positions at the U of A, such as his internship with the athletic marketing team. His gregarious nature is an asset, whether he's meeting and greeting fans at sporting events or helping promote the university's various sports teams.

"I like that I've been able to work in each sport," he said. "I'm trying to get as much experience as possible, because the field is so competitive."

Carpenter's long-term goal is to become a college athletic director.

Carpenter says that the U of A's Athletic Director Hunter Yurachek has been an inspiration to him. He also notes that athletic trainers get to positively influence the lives of young people, their communities and the state.

As a child of two military parents, Carpenter moved around a lot as a kid. He doesn't know where he'll end up next, but said the roots he planted in Arkansas will forever pull him back.

"As of this moment, coming to the U of A has been the greatest decision I've ever made," he said. "I'll always be back. I'll never forget where I came from. This is home."

This story is the latest in a series called the Dean's Spotlight, featuring outstanding students in the College of Education and Health Professions. Visit COEHP's online magazine, the Colleague for more news from the six units that make up the College. Visit Health, Human Performance and Recreation for more information on COEHP's Recreation and Sport Management program.