Freshman Admissions Counselor

Arch Jones, Jr.

Hometown:  Conway, AR

College Major:  Kinesiology

Territory: Central Arkansas

Office: Office of Admissions

Phone: 501-852-7458

E-mail: ajones@uca.edu

Q: Where are you from? 
A:  I was born in Harrison, AR but I've lived in Conway since 1980. I have lived in several different areas within Arkansas, but I consider Conway my "official" home. 

Q: Why did you decide to attend UCA?
A:  At the time, I wanted to be a teacher/coach and there was no better place in the state to become an educator other than UCA. Also, I was looking for a traditional college experience in which UCA did provide quite well, just as it does to this day. 

Q: What did you study in college? Why did you choose that major?
A:  Kinesiology and Health Education. Originally, I wanted to be a coach/teacher in an Arkansas school. However, you plan, and then life happens. I began a career in marketing and sales after graduation that eventually brought me back to UCA in Admissions. 

Q: What is your favorite place on campus?  Why?
A: My favorite place on campus is standing in front of the fountain with Irby Hall in the background. I go out of my way to drive by that area because that beautiful scene makes me proud to be an alumni and proud to be part of this University. 

Q: What is your favorite UCA fact?
A: Over 100 years ago, our university was founded as a teachers college with our College of Education having the largest enrollment. Now we have evolved into a comprehensive university with Health and Behavioral Sciences being our largest college with over 3,000 students. I love that UCA is NEVER stagnant and constantly evolving to better serve students' needs. 

Q: What's one of your fondest memories about your time here at UCA?
A: My most memorable experiences at UCA happened outside the classroom which defines the traditional college experience. Sporting events, student activity groups, intramurals...the memories of these experiences stay with me to this day and define who I am. This was when I made life-long friends and every year at home coming we always have a chance to catch up.

Q: How long have you worked in Admissions?
A: This is my third year as an Admissions counselor.  

Q: What parts of admissions counseling do you enjoy?
A:  Working with students to assist them in realizing their goals and potential. It is very rewarding to see students thriving here on the UCA campus that I started working with as high school students. I like to stay in touch and be involved as a resource here on campus for the students throughout their academic career. 

Advice to Prospective Students

Your college experience is about finding something to study that you can be passionate about which will lead you to a career that you can be passionate about. If you can find a career that you are passionate about, you will never have to "work" another day the rest of your life.