Academic Affairs

I serve as the Office Manager and Assistant to the Chair at the University of Arkansas Department of Communication, where I play a key role in supporting faculty, staff and departmental leadership. In this role, I manage daily operations, coordinate communication across the department and help ensure a smooth, well‑organized environment for students, staff and visitors.

With a background rooted in administrative leadership and a commitment to service, I am known for my reliability, collaborative approach and dedication to strengthening processes that help people do their best work. I work closely with department leadership — including Chair Matthew Spialek — to support academic initiatives, improve workflow efficiency and maintain a positive, solutions‑oriented office culture.

I bring a strong understanding of staff needs, daily challenges and the importance of clear communication within the university community. My perspective is shaped by hands‑on experience and a genuine commitment to supporting colleagues and enhancing the staff experience across campus.

What excites me most about serving on Staff Senate is the opportunity to support and advocate for my colleagues across campus. I enjoy listening, helping solve problems and improving the everyday experience of staff. Being part of a group dedicated to communication, collaboration and positive change is something I genuinely look forward to.

My name is Matthew Fey, and I am honored to run for Staff Senate. My journey at the University of Arkansas began in 2011, and over the last 15 years, I have evolved from a dedicated student into a passionate staff leader. My commitment to our campus is literally etched in stone; my name currently appears on Senior Walk twice, with a third addition coming soon.

Since 2017, I have served the University in a professional capacity, currently as the Associate Director of the Honors Program in the College of Education and Health Professions. I am not a stranger to staff advocacy and governance, having previously served on the Staff Senate from 2019 to 2022, including a position as Election Committee chair. This experience gave me a front-row seat to the challenges and opportunities our staff face daily.

When I’m not supporting our COEHP Honors students, you can find me at a concert, traveling, or experimenting with a new recipe in the kitchen. I am eager to bring my institutional knowledge and my Triple Alum perspective back to the Senate to serve you.

What excites me most about returning to Staff Senate is the opportunity to build on the significant momentum we’ve gained recently. Initiatives like the classification/compensation project and the Annual Leave Exchange program for student loan debt prove that when staff voices are prioritized, we see tangible results. However, we are currently navigating a turbulent era in higher education.

Between a shifting political climate, nationwide enrollment declines, and the ongoing debate over the value of a degree, the University of Arkansas faces complex hurdles. In these conversations, staff interests must not be an afterthought. I am energized by the challenge of ensuring our voices are heard just as loudly as those of faculty and students.

As staff, we have a front-row seat to the transformative power of education. We see, daily, the difference we make in the lives of our students and the people of Arkansas. I want to serve on the Senate to protect that impact and ensure that as the landscape of higher education shifts, the staff who keep this university running are supported, valued, and heard.

My name is Julia Smith, and I am currently the Associate Director of Graduate Student Support.

I have been in this role for almost a year now, but have worked on campus in various capacities since 2017.

My experience ranges from Financial Aid, Academic Advising, working for the 360 Program and other student retention efforts to now supporting our graduate students on campus.

I have been on Staff Senate for the past year and have really enjoyed working with other colleagues on campus, learning about their different roles, and sharing ideas to make this campus better for everyone. I hope to continue doing that again next year!