SEAR Welcomes Smruthi Chintakunta as Prevention & Education Program Coordinator

The Substance Education, Assessment & Recovery Program at Pat Walker Health Center is excited to welcome Smruthi Chintakunta, M.S., LAC, as the new SEAR Prevention & Education Program coordinator in a full-time role.  

Chintakunta joined the U of A in fall 2021 as a graduate assistant in the Office of Student Involvement & Leadership (formerly the Office of Student Activities) in the Division of Student Affairs. In that capacity, she co-advised the Office of Financial Affairs for the Associated Student Government and the student-fee-funded organization, Student Organization Outreach and Involvement Experience. 

In August 2022, she transitioned to work with the SEAR program as a graduate assistant, working with campus partners for outreach and building a student ambassador team that works on education and prevention initiatives. In her expanded role as the Prevention & Education coordinator for SEAR, Chintakunta will build on the work she did as a graduate assistant to further enhance substance use education and prevention initiatives across campus. 

"Since joining as a graduate assistant in August 2022, Smruthi has been an invaluable part of our substance misuse education, prevention and recovery efforts. Her dedication and passion for helping others made hiring her full-time an easy choice. She brings heart to the team, and we're excited to see her continue making a positive impact," said Jennifer Morris, SEAR Program coordinator.  

Originally from India and a long-time resident of St. Louis — her hometown for 19 years — Chintakunta earned a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Missouri State University. She is a Licensed Associate Counselor in Arkansas and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Counselor Education and Supervision at the U of A. 

"Working with students and collaborating with colleagues across the division has been immensely rewarding," Chintakunta said. "I am excited to expand our outreach and prevention initiatives in this full-time role and help further enhance the well-being of our campus community." 

In her new role, Chintakunta will oversee programs that integrate clinical mental health expertise with proactive student engagement, reinforcing Pat Walker Health Center's commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate and comprehensive health care. Her appointment underscores the university's dedication to supporting mental health and substance use resources on campus through timely interventions and prevention education. 

For more information about SEAR and Pat Walker Health Center, visit health.uark.edu and follow @uarkhealth and @uarksear on Instagram. Questions can also be answered via email at sear@uark.edu or by calling 479-575-2500.

About the Substance Education, Assessment and Recovery Program: The SEAR program provides direct individual and group interventions to university students with alcohol, cannabis, and other substance related concerns. SEAR offers a variety of research-based prevention, early intervention, and recovery support services and programs to promote a learning environment that supports healthy behavior choices, as well as raise awareness about the risks associated with alcohol abuse and illicit drug use. SEAR is a program at Pat Walker Health Center and part of the Division of Student Affairs. Learn more at health.uark.edu.  

About the Division of Student Affairs: The Division of Student Affairs supports the whole student by cultivating transformative experiences and environments that promote student well-being, sense of community, and success. We prioritize student access, well-being, and belonging, post-graduation success, and building a strong organizational culture.