Student Affairs

Growing up in rural Northwest Arkansas in a family of University of Arkansas alumni, the university has always been a meaningful part of my life. After completing my undergraduate studies at Washington University in St. Louis, I was grateful for the opportunity to return home and serve the University of Arkansas.

In my current role as Coordinator for Parent and Family Programs, I work closely with campus partners to help families feel informed, welcomed and engaged in their student’s experience. I value collaboration, clear communication and service to our campus community.

What excites me most about serving on Staff Senate is the opportunity to elevate staff voices and contribute to campus‑wide conversations that impact our daily work. I enjoy collaborating across departments and value shared governance, clear communication and inclusive decision‑making. Staff Senate offers a meaningful way to learn from colleagues across campus while advocating for a positive, supportive workplace culture.

Hi! My name is Alex Rouw, and I serve as a retention outreach coordinator in the NEXUS department. I’m the success coach for Razorback Bridge Scholars, and I also supervise a team of student workers doing recruitment for the TRIO SSS program. I strive to create a safe space where students can take ownership of their lives and work, gain real-world skills and explore their full potential with consistent coaching, mentoring and support.

My undergraduate degree was music with a business management minor at the University of Arkansas. I then went on to pursue a master's in music theory at the University of North Texas. After facing significant life challenges and seeing how university staff and administrators came together to support me in ultimately completing a graduate degree, I became interested in a career in student success. It’s been so fulfilling to return to this community in a role where I can help students with any issue they’re facing.

The University of Arkansas holds a special place in my heart because it’s a community like no other I’ve been in. There is such a welcoming atmosphere where people care about each other and have a sense of pride and school spirit. That doesn’t just happen someplace. It has to be fostered at all levels through community engagement and support, caring and informed leadership, and simply taking the time to listen to one another.

Staff Senate is a central place where we can keep each other informed of what’s going on and work through it together, envisioning the best place it can be for everyone. I would be most excited to hear everyone’s story, perspective, and ideas from different areas of Student Affairs, helping these be heard and become reality on campus.