Staff Spotlight: Katie Campbell

Meet Katie Campbell like the soup, a Louisiana native with a flair for adventure! She kicked off her journey in the vibrant streets of New Orleans before setting her sights on the big city life in Dallas-Fort Worth. After soaking up the Texas charm, she boomeranged back to New Orleans to dive into university life at Loyola. During her time there, Katie caught the Student Affairs bug, diving headfirst into Residence Life. She was a whirlwind of activity, except for one thing—she managed to dodge the RA role! Instead, she stole the show as the beloved mascot, Havoc T. Wolf, leaving a trail of school spirit wherever she went. Her next chapter took her to The University of Texas at Arlington, where she continued her student affairs journey, focusing on off-campus students. Always one to embrace her unique traits, Katie stands out in her family as the middle child with striking hazel eyes, a rare gem among her brown-eyed siblings. Speaking of family, Katie's older sister is in Houston, blazing a trail in research, while her younger sister holds down the fort in California as an HR Specialist for a medical company. Her roots run deep, with her mom's side being first-generation American and her dad, a retired Staff Sergeant from the Army, now passing on his wisdom as a teacher at Universal Technical Institute. Katie's story is a tapestry of experiences, blending her love for community, family, and a good dose of Louisiana zest!

What inspires you? What are some of the things you enjoy doing when you're not at work?

I like to think I am a master in the kitchen, whipping up delicious dishes while catching the latest adventures of my favorite DC & Marvel heroes on screen. Any day spent with my corgi-child Marigny (pronounced Mare-inn-knee) is a day well spent in my book! My biggest source of inspiration? Watching my friends and people in general achieve success. I'm not just a cheerleader; I am the head of the squad, leading the cheers for every win, big or small. My support knows no bounds.

Who is your hero and why?

Blanca Cecilia Flores Gonzalez is a former peer whom I deeply admire and appreciate to this day. Her thoughtful approach to problem-solving, always seeking the best solution for everyone involved, has been a tremendous source of inspiration for me. It's a quality I strive to emulate in my own life and work.

What is one word you would use to describe yourself?

Unique

What is one thing about you that few people know?

I have a deep fascination with Bigfoot shows, from Expedition Bigfoot to Mountain Monsters and beyond. My enthusiasm for these programs is matched only by my dedication to exploring the mysteries of the unknown with a keen eye for detail and a passion for discovery.

Why did you decide to come to work for the Division of Student Affairs at Texas A&M University?

The interview process was such a blast that I completely forgot I was being interviewed—in the best way possible! I felt so comfortable and at home that when I received the offer to work in Aggieland, I was genuinely speechless. I even joked about being punk'd by Ashton Kutcher, but it turned out to be the real deal! 🙂

Tell us about your job! What are your primary responsibilities and duties? And what other tasks and project do you end up doing that may not be on your job description?

My role is like being the ultimate party planner, team leader, and problem-solver all rolled into one! From organizing fun events and building a sense of community to training staff and managing operations, every day is a new adventure in making residence life awesome. Plus, you get to be the hero on call, ready to tackle any challenge that comes your way! It's a role that requires wearing many hats, from event planner to team leader to problem solver. But with a bit of fun and a lot of enthusiasm, it's a role where every day brings a new adventure!

I take great pride in being an enthusiastic and dedicated individual, always willing to offer my assistance and uplift those around me. My involvement within the SWACUHO region, supervision of a game room, and role as the ACUHO-I Intern Coordinator reflect my commitment to creating positive and engaging experiences. I approach each task with professionalism and a strong desire to make a meaningful impact, striving to uphold the values of community and excellence in all my endeavors.

Tell us about your career progression, including at Texas A&M and within our division?

Before landing at Texas A&M, my journey through the working world started at a local hair and nail salon, then at Payless Shoe Source through my first year of undergrad. Once college began, I found my groove working on campus and never looked back! A brief stint at Target-Starbucks was added to my experience before diving into grad school.

During my graduate studies, I worked on campus in an assistantship for commuter students and even secured a grant to start a program for students with children. Fast forward to today, and I've been at TAMU for about 8 years, all in Residence Life, where I've been a force for change, breaking down barriers to success for residential students across different communities

What one thing do you love most about your job and why?

I'm absolutely passionate about what I do, but if I had to pinpoint one thing, it would be the people. The folks I get to see and work with every day are what make it all worthwhile! My department is incredibly accepting of my quirks, which is a huge plus. Their support and the sense of community they provide are incredibly helpful, especially given the demanding nature of my work. Without them, I don't think I'd be as successful or fulfilled in my role!