Riplee Breeden

Written By: Ian Silvester

In movies and TV shows, college campuses are idyllic places where everyone is wearing a branded hoodie, studying under oak trees, and having thoroughly provoking discussions on the lawn.

For junior Riplee Breeden, the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith is all that and more. “UAFS is truly my home away from home,” she says, beaming.

And while the UAFS campus is definitely bustling with activity, it’s also a place, she says, where students from every background can feel safe, comfortable, and fully at home.

“It’s the community,” she says. “You will always see someone you know, even if it’s just at Starbucks, you will always have someone to talk to here.”

Finding your people comes easily and starts from the very first day of class. For Riplee, the annual Howdy Dance is a signal that a new school year is starting and a new batch of future friends are joining the community.

“It’s such a simple event to kick off the new school year, but something about being on the dance floor is electric,” she says, swiping through neon light-streaked photos of giddy friend groups on her phone. “I believe we truly captured the great joy of the first event of the year at UAFS,” she says with a grin.

Sometimes that joy can be interrupted by life. Riplee faced a financial struggle that threatened her time at UAFS. Thankfully, she said, there were people in the UAFS community and resources that stepped in.

“I’ve heard people from other universities say their school let them down and made them figure it out on their own, but not here. You’re not alone. I have so many people who are behind me and beside me,” she said.

As an RA, Riplee also serves as a resource for first-year students. She was inspired to take on the role to help students feel comfortable, get the support they need, and find their place.

“I surrounded myself with fearless people who challenged me to get out of my comfort zone,” Riplee said. “I’ve grown more confident in myself.”

“Freshman to now junior year, I feel how their influence has helped guide me to be the professional I am now and the professional I will continue to grow into once I graduate from UAFS.”

She’s an active member of the Campus Activities Board and works at the Recreation and Wellness Center, or RAWC, in addition to being an RA. She’s committed to making sure everyone feels as at home as she does.

“Whether it’s incoming freshmen at Cub Camp, or maybe a transfer student trying to find their place on campus through a student organization, or simply someone needing directions to a building or event happening on campus, there’s just something so special about interacting with or getting to meet someone and immediately helping them,” she says.

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