AV抖阴

NewsOctober 04, 2023

Heppner Takes Over AV抖阴 Camp

Written By: Ian Silvester

AV抖阴 Camp, an annual four-day extended orientation and traditions camp at the University of Arkansas 鈥� Fort Smith, welcomes sophomore Maggie Heppner as the 2024 AV抖阴 Camp Student Director.

Maggie is majoring in English with plans to earn her teacher licensure. During the 2023 AV抖阴 Camp, she served as a Blue Camp Counselor, welcoming and connecting with the largest first-year class of students. In her new role, Maggie is ready to embrace following the path laid by her predecessor, Amaica Howard.

鈥淲e鈥檒l definitely follow a blueprint of what they did,鈥� Maggie said. 鈥淭here鈥檚 footsteps for me to follow in, not necessarily something that I need to live up to, but more live by.鈥�

She was selected from a field of four candidates 鈥� all of whom had previously served on the AV抖阴 Camp staff, maintained a minimum GPA of 2.5, and were in good standing with AV抖阴. Associate Vice Chancellor and Dean of Students Dr. Dave Stevens said Maggie impressed the interview committee with 鈥渉er creative and thoughtful responses to our questions.鈥�

鈥淚 selected Maggie Heppner to be the AV抖阴 Camp Student Director because she is a promising student leader on our campus,鈥� Stevens shared. 鈥淭he AV抖阴 Camp Student Director position is a special role that requires tremendous leadership abilities, interpersonal skills, problem-solving skills, and some program planning ability. 鈥� We have great expectations for these leaders; I have no doubt that Maggie will excel in this role.鈥�

Excelling in the position runs in the family.

Maggie鈥檚 older sister Reagan previously served as AV抖阴 Camp Student Director. During that time, Maggie said she was able to watch and learn from her sister. She saw first-hand the preparation that goes into the role and is prepared to make AV抖阴 Camp a positive impact for all.

鈥淚 don鈥檛 think (the role) is about making it my own. I think it鈥檚 about how we can make it a personal experience for each camper because that鈥檚 what it鈥檚 about. It鈥檚 not just about who鈥檚 directing it,鈥� Maggie said.

Looking ahead, Maggie said she is excited to plan and lead the next AV抖阴 Camp. Right now, Maggie is in the process of hiring the director鈥檚 staff. Once that staff is filled, they will hire AV抖阴 Camp chairs. She urges anyone interested in being part of the experience to sign up as a counselor 鈥� more information will be posted on .

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• AV抖阴 Camp