Captain Andy Kelly describes the University of Arkansas in a few small words: “a big school on a small campus.” Growing up in Joplin, Missouri, Kelly researched various schools to attend; however, the University of Arkansas offered everything he wanted in a university. The scenery, the friendliness of the people, the rallying support of the Razorbacks and being offered a scholarship all appealed to Kelly, presenting him with an opportunity he just couldn’t pass up.
Taking advantage of the opportunities that the University of Arkansas offered, Kelly grew socially— an aspect that benefits him in his career as a military officer in the United States Air Force. “I was a student ambassador for two years and enjoyed showing students and their parents around the campus,” he said. Apart from his goal to achieve a bachelor of science in electrical engineering, he dedicated his time to working in the Admissions office, claiming that the staff were “a joy to work with and very hospitable.” His time spent on campus didn’t stop there as he opted to work at the engineering research center, join ROTC and obtain a leadership position within the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.
These interactions led him to have a “diverse group of friends,” claiming that he “learned much more from other students.” During this time, Kelly lived in Holcombe Hall among several international students. “That experience, and being able to meet all of those people, it helped to mold me,” he said. The chance to meet people from various walks of life, become an effective leader and become knowledgeable in a field that has proven to be useful in his current occupation are just a few of the reasons why the University of Arkansas is so important to him.
While in attendance, the university not only became an important place to Kelly, but a memorable one as well. One of his fondest memories was in 1999, when Arkansas played Tennessee in football. As the Razorbacks claimed their victory, fans stormed the field and in all the excitement, tore down the goal post—Kelly was one of those fans. “I think there’s a picture out there showing me riding the goal post down,” he laughed.
Since graduating in 2000, Kelly enlisted in the United States Air Force. “I came on active duty in January 2001 and have spent the last 9 ½ years in the military,” he said. He has been deployed twice, to both war zones, but is currently stationed in Hampton, Virginia. “I have enjoyed moving around and am proud of my job; it has been very rewarding to serve my country,” he said. His engineering degree led him to his current position in the development engineering field where he works as part of the management team, in a facility “where testing occurs for the Air Force’s Air and Space Operations Center Weapon System.”
Realizing that he will probably never be stationed close to the state of Arkansas, he recognizes how important it is to stay connected to the university and its alumni. Appreciative of the opportunities he received while at the university, he is proud of where he came from and believes that his “primary objective is to stay connected as best I can and the Arkansas Alumni Association is a good source in allowing me to do just that,” he said.
As a member of the Southeast Virginia chapter, Kelly looks to Arkansas magazine, emails and sports updates to help keep him informed of what is going on at the University of Arkansas. However, when it comes to Razorback football games, Kelly admits that he always manages to make time for the Hogs. “I’m always gathering a crowd at my house to barbecue and watch the football games,” he said.
Although he is far from Fayetteville, he continues to speak highly of the Arkansas Alumni Association and strongly encourages students to take advantage of the opportunities the association has to offer. “The association’s recent graduate discount is great. If you leave the area, stay connected as much as you can. Give it a shot and I think you will be happy with the benefits the association can give you.”
