Quincy Spencer did not have long-term plans when he began working at the U of A as an associate director of first-year experience. 

"This is the third school I've worked at," Spencer said. "My plan was to be here for three to five years and then move on. Sixteen years later, here I am!" 

Spencer helped create the new students and family programs when the Division of Student Affairs was restructured. He serves as the director of new student and family programs, overseeing extended orientation programs, student and family programs, late-night programs, leadership development and first-generation initiatives. 

"We're one of those hodge-podge offices that do so many things, but it's all about ensuring that students have a successful transition, as well as working with their parents and family members during that transition. It's not just transitioning from that first year, but we want to look at the whole experience up to senior year, where they are transitioning to their career." 

One of Spencer's programs, the parent and family association, is comparable to a primary school parent-teacher organization (PTO). This program allows parents to continue to be a part of their child's school at the university level. 

"Family members are also transitioning when their child begins their post-secondary academic career," Spencer said. "We do our best to make sure everyone feels like they are a part of the University of Arkansas experience; parents are part of the Razorback family as well." 

Soon Spencer realized staying at the U of A was a good fit; he began to advance his career within his department rather than going to another university. Spencer began looking into educational opportunities with the tuition discount offered to all full-time employees. He began coursework for his doctorate in higher education in 2018 and graduated in 2022. He was able to use research opportunities in his degree to improve the programs he directs. 

"My dissertation research was on the experience of parents and family members during the first-generation transition. Parents and family members want to be involved, but as first-generation families, it's difficult. They don't understand all the inner workings of the institution and don't feel like they can advocate well for their student," Spencer said.

"So, I was looking at how we as a campus help with that relationship. We are devoting lots of money, time, resources and personnel to first-generation student success, which is in line with the priorities that Chancellor (Charles) Robinson has given us." 

Along with educational opportunities, Spencer has utilized the university's resources for professional development. He served on the executive committee of NODA, an association for orientation, transition and retention in higher education. Spencer was president of the organization for one year. 

"Serving in NODA was one of the best experiences I've had. I was able to work with people across the nation in similar roles, as well as visit other campuses to help them implement plans and policies that help the student experience." 

The educational and professional advancements Spencer has found at the U of A allow him to excel in his current role. He is excited about the initiatives and programs his department is developing for first-generation students. 

"We are going to keep expanding first-generation outreach," Spencer said. "I was not a first-generation student, but I know the impact of completing a degree on entire families. My mom is a former educator; education has been important to me my entire life. We take every opportunity we can to allow people to better their situation and themselves. When a first-generation student sets his or her eyes on finishing that degree, that's important." 

Spencer's department has always supported his pursuit of furthering his education for his degree and his student programs. He wants to promote this supportive workplace environment for the team and student workers that he manages. 

"My department has been supportive of professional development. The people who mentored me were dedicated to making sure we had professional development funds and opportunities available," Spencer said. "I want to pay that forward and make sure my staff is always thinking about ways they can learn how to improve. We're an educational institution; we always need to keep learning." 

As a long-time higher-education employee, Spencer recognizes the unique opportunities available to him at the U of A. He recommends that current and future employees take advantage of them. 

"Enrollment continues to stay steady, and people are realizing that the University of Arkansas is a great institution. Not everyone gets educational or professional development opportunities at their workplace. Now that I have my degree, I will always be a Razorback." 

About the Employee Spotlight Series: The employee spotlight series highlights U of A faculty and staff members, the impact they have on campus and the community more broadly, and what makes the university an employer of choice for them individually. Each U of A employee plays a critical role in advancing the 150 Forward strategic priorities: advancing student success, achieving research excellence and enhancing the university's status as an employer of choice. If you have a recommendation of an employee to interview, contact Rachel Gerner at rgerner@uark.edu.