Freshman Admissions Counselor

Chris Riggins

Hometown:  Altheimer, Arkansas 

College Major:  Manual Arts Therapy

Territory: South Arkansas and Texarkana

Office: Office of Admissions

Phone: 501-450-3128

E-mail: criggins@uca.edu

Q: Where are you from? 
A: I was born in Little Rock, AR. I was raised most of my life in Altheimer and Pine Bluff, AR. In 1988, I graduated from Altheimer High School.

Q: Why did you decide to attend UCA?
A:  When I was in high school I knew that I wanted to play college level football. UCA football staff came to Altheimer and invited me to be part of their program, and in 1988 I accepted their invitation. During my time as a player at UCA, I begin to love the campus life, faculty, staff, and the city of Conway. Once I finished my playing career at UCA, I then coached football for two years.

Q: What did you study in college? Why?
A: I got my degree in Manual Arts Therapy here at UCA. This field would allow me to work with people that have physical disabilities. I majored in the field because I always enjoyed helping people.

Q: What is your favorite place on campus?
A: My favorite place is the fountain! This is a wonderful place to go and meditate, eat out, take photos, or just hang out and talk with friends.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do in Conway?
A: Many Arkansans refer to Conway as  the city of many colleges. However, I say Conway is the city of many churches. I like Conway because you have many choices in the type of church fellowship you want. One of my favorite things to do in Conway is to go downtown and actually watch a movie on a giant screen that is set up in the middle of the street once a month.

Q: How long have you worked in Admissions?
A: I have been part of the Admissions staff for seven years.

Q: What parts of admissions counseling do you enjoy?
A:  I enjoy traveling to different areas in South Arkansas telling students how UCA is the place for them. I enjoy encouraging students to attend the college that they desire, and not allowing fear to paralyze them. I like the fact that I get an opportunity to speak with parents and students concerning funding for college. Admission counseling is always a blessing because I get the opportunity to promote higher education.

Advice to Prospective Students

Never allow fear to paralyze your future!