Upon arriving at the University of Central Arkansas, Erica Ruble ’11 found a new home and has never left.
As a student, the Bald Knob native began working in the Financial Accounting Office, then transitioned to a full-time financial support analyst after graduating. She began working in the Welcome Center in Wingo Hall as the public information specialist. She currently works as the operations manager for University Relations and Creative Services.
While working in the Financial Accounting Office in 2012, she was nominated for Staff Senate.
“I was a little quiet my first year on, but by the second year I was ready to take on new roles,” Ruble said.
She became treasurer in 2015 and vice president in 2016. But her journey in Staff Senate didn’t stop there. She was elected Staff Senate president in July 2017.
Her role as Staff Senate president involves being on committees across campus, leading meetings twice a month, and meeting with the other presidents from organizations and departments every week.
“I like to hear both their successes and their trials, and to hear the more difficult things they encounter,” Ruble said.
Ruble desires Staff Senate to grow in the departments represented. She would also like to see the Professional Development Scholarship, Angel Bear, Winter Feast and Spring Picnic committees have a more day-to-day role on campus.
“I really want people across campus to know who Staff Senators are and feel like they can reach out to them to vocalize any of their opinions,” Ruble said.
Throughout her time at UCA, Ruble has accumulated an impressive collection of UCA memorabilia, some of which are displayed in her Wingo Hall office. Even the walls are painted purple and gray.
She first started collecting T-shirts as a student, but now her collection ranges from UCA blankets and bear decor to almost anything purple. When asked if she is a super fan, she claims that she is simply passionate about UCA and her role in this University. And she doesn’t just bleed purple and gray, she also dons a bright purple streak in her blonde hair.
“My husband and daughter always have on their UCA gear,” Ruble said. “My favorite thing is when we’re out in public and someone says, ‘You must work at UCA.'”