The PROPS program includes a monthly profile of an A-State staff member that works every day behind the scenes to improve Arkansas State University… because EVERY Red Wolf Counts!
Staff members are selected from a pool of candidates that is created from the PROPS nomination form.
Uriella Jones
Uriella Jones was nominated by Katherine Pryor for P.R.O.P.S. recognition. Katherine said Uriella is an “invaluable asset to A-State Online as an admissions analyst. She’s unbelievably knowledgeable and always willing to help in any situation, even if it isn’t admissions related. She is consistently reliable and always a joy to work with. I’ve had the pleasure of working with her in two different departments at A-State over the last 2 years, and was beyond thrilled when she was hired at Online Services. Uriella embodies what it means to be a part of the A-State Family and holds true the values and ethics we want to work for. She is here for the students and is a great advocate for them.” Uriella first began working for the Nursing and Health Professions Department, and is now an Admissions Analyst at A-State Online Programs.
P.R.O.P.S. subcommittee members Kelsey DeFord, Karen Nelson, and Cathy Naylor spoke with Uriella recently to learn more about her and her experience at A-State.
What do most people not know about you?
Probably that I’m not an American citizen. I am from an island, [called Mauritius]. It’s close to Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. It’s a very small island ofaround1.3 million people.
What is your favorite hobby?
I like to play guitar. I come from a musically inclined family. We all play an instrument. So, this is what I will spend my time with. Learn new songs, play and sing with my friends and family.
Describe your biggest obstacle and how you mastered it.
When I started dating my then-boyfriend whose an American citizen. We decided that I would be the one to move. It took us a year and half to get married. That’s just how the process is. Since we decided to go through the process on our own, we did a lot of research to make sure we did everything right, according to the law of the country. It was a little stressful but all went smoothly and we saved a lot for not hire an attorney, yay! This journey involved several countries: Mauritius, France, South Africa, Dubai and the US. It was a huge learning experience and an exciting journey. In October, it will be my fifth year of living here.
What do you like most about A-State?
I worked with people who encouraged me to voice my opinion, listen to it, and implement it. I come from a very different background when it comes to work. You go to work, you do as you’re told. I felt valuable from the very beginning when I first worked at the nursing school. Dr. Davidson was just the best at helping us as a person, but also as an employee. And it’s the same thing with Caroline [Moseley] at A-State Online. I really appreciate how they listen and let us do our job without micro-managing us. I love the trust factor here!
The best advice I’ve ever received was….
To never give up. A “no” is just a step further to a yes. And as hard as it can be to keep trying, it always pays at the end. I keep this in mind always and still go by this saying today.
What makes a good university?
I would say diversity and inclusion; everyone should feel accepted, and everyone should feel that they have the right to an education. This is what I like about my actual position. It’s the opportunity to give somebody this chance to achieve something great down the road. Our International office welcomes people from so many countries and cultures. As an immigrant, I can understand the stress of learning and adapting to a new culture and I think A-State has been accompanying these students very well.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
I’m torn. I haven’t been back home in five years. I really miss my island and the beach. So, that would be my first choice. The second would be Paris, France, because this is where I got engaged with my husband and we’d like to go back and reminisce the good times as often as we could.
What do you wish everyone on campus knew about your job?
That it’s one of the most gratifying jobs you’ll ever be able to do. When you click that “submit” button to admit a student, and they come back to you all excited, yelling in your ear out of joy or e-mailing saying “you have no clue of what this means to me”, I think it’s a blessing. Just like I don’t give up, I will make sure that the student does not give up because everyone deserves a chance for a career and good living situation.
What is your most recent binge show?
I do watch a lot of television shows. But if I have to talk about one that I go back to very often, it can sound weird, but it’s “Mr. Bean.” Of all the shows that I’ve ever watched, I would always go back to “Mr. Bean.” That’s my childhood right there, and when I have to unwind after a long day or whatever; some Mr. Bean episodes always make things better! Isn’t he funny? I think he is funny!
