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.
Erika James
Erika James was nominated by April Sheppard for P.R.O.P.S. recognition. April said “Erika works directly with students within the library. She does all the hiring of our student workers – and, if you’ve been to the library, you’ll know we have amazing student workers. She also works to ensure we have a diverse student workforce and a strong mixture of part-time and work study students to make sure that the library has adequate coverage and that we are able to keep our doors open. Erika also assists
students at the library’s service desk, helping them with everything from printing issue to finding resources for their papers. When she’s not at the desk or working on hiring paperwork, you can often find Erika at open house events and the annual community fair talking to students about all the things the library can offer them.”
P.R.O.P.S. subcommittee members Catherine Beaver, Kelsey DeFord, Stephanie Lintz, and Johnathan Reaves spoke with Erika recently to learn more about her and her experience at A-State.
What do you like about Arkansas State University?
Well, I like the community feel of A-State. I did my undergraduate here at A-State. When I left a couple of years, I tried to find out how I could get back to campus without doing any more classes and so I’ve always enjoyed the campus life, the community, people, and students. I also met my husband at A-State during my undergraduate studies!
What makes a good staff member?
A good staff member is someone who is able to work well with others, collaborate, share their knowledge. Just making others feel welcome whether it be community members, students, faculty, or other staff members. Just someone who can help uplift others.
Describe your biggest obstacle and how you mastered it?
My biggest obstacle would probably be learning to adjust to motherhood. I didn’t really have a lot of guidance and I learned that a lot of things were different than what I expected. I have three children, so after my first one, I learned a lot and that helped me become a better mother to my other ones, so I would have to say my number one would be motherhood.
What do you wish everyone knew about your position on campus?
I’m the Student Assistant Specialist and I’m part of the Access and Delivery Services Unit within the library. When I come to work, it doesn’t feel like work. To me, it’s very rewarding and a lot of people may not know that working in the library is not just working with books. We’re able to help with a lot of different things, and so I’m very excited every year about meeting new students. We help a lot of different students, but one of my main duties is to supervise and train students. I help other staff members in the library with hiring their students. It’s a fun job, I have a lot of great co-workers, and I get to meet a lot of students from all over. Someone said once we are like the center hub of campus, and I agree. We are able to help the entire A-State campus.
If you could travel anywhere, where would it be?
The next place on my bucket list is California. Taking my family and kiddos to Disneyland.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Just go do it. I mean, if its something that maybe I’m having second thoughts about, you know, I had a personal conversation with someone about something I that I wanted to do and just like, a new adventure, I just, you know, just go do it.
What is your favorite quote or saying?
I usually say this every day and it would be “Thank you, Lord!”
What kind of music is playing in your car?
I usually listen to whatever is on KLEK, here in Jonesboro.
What is your most prized possession?
Anything pink! It’s my favorite color. I don’t really have any other favorite things. Books! I have a lot of books, but anything pink!
What is your most recent binge show?
BET Sistas. It’s about four women who are independent and have a close-knit bond. They are all different, but they can come together on one accord after sharing their differences. It’s a great way to just finish up my day and relax.
What is your philosophy on working with students and faculty as a staff member?
I think customer service is number one. I try to provide the best service possible and having a positive attitude. You know, if there something I’m just unable to help with, I ask questions or get assistance. So yes, I think customers will be number one, because we’re in a service-oriented space here in the library and so whatever I can do to help, I try to do.
How long have you been working at A-State?
I’ve been in the library the whole time, serving in different positions here. I’ll be here 10 years in August. I started as the circulation support assistant. I worked weekends opening and closing. I’ve also worked in the director’s office as an admin assistant and now I’m the student assistant specialist, so I’m able to do a little bit more and learned a lot over the years. This position is probably the best one. It is my favorite.
