GRAPHIC: Shelby Kuepker pictured next to Hunter the Hawk in front of the UHCL letters in Alumni Plaza. In the background, the image is blurred with a blue overlay. Photo Courtesy of Shelby Kuepker. — Shelby Kuepker pictured next to Hunter the Hawk in front of the UHCL letters in Alumni Plaza. Photo Courtesy of Shelby Kuepker.

Q&A: Shelby Kuepker

By Jessica Kunzat Last updated Apr 4, 2022 217 0

Shelby Kuepker, Coordinator of Organizations and Activities in the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership, is one of the women featured as part of The Signal’s #HawkHerStory coverage, celebrating Women’s History Month. This special coverage focuses on the stories and perspectives of the various women within the UHCL community.

Read The Signal’s Q&A with Kuepker below and see the other Q&As conducted with students, faculty, staff, administrators and alumni here.

IMAGE: A photograph of Shelby Kuepker (right) standing next to UHCL Mascot Hunter the Hawk (left). In the background is the UHCL letters hill, lit up at night alongside a few trees with string lights wrapped around them. — Shelby Kuepker pictured next to Hunter the Hawk in front of the UHCL letters in Alumni Plaza. Photo Courtesy of Shelby Kuepker.

Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself, on both a personal and professional/educational level?

Growing up in small town in Illinois (Population: 50), I always sought adventure and something new. Early on, I found excitement in coordinating events and experiences for others, from starting my high school’s newspaper to planning my undergrad institution’s Welcome Week! In college, I studied away in Denver, CO as well as Sydney, Australia – sparking my love for hiking and traveling.

At Augustana College, I majored in English and was actively involved in my sorority, the student programming board, and Camp Kesem – a nonprofit that serves children affected by a parent’s cancer. These experiences not only allowed me to find my best friends, but I also felt like my best self while planning and executing events. I was inspired to pursue a career in student affairs where I could help students find their home during college and provide opportunities for learning outside of the classroom. I received my Master’s in Higher Education and Student Affairs from Indiana University in May 2021, and I’ve been at UHCL ever since.

Q: What are some activities you enjoy doing?

I enjoy running and exploring local parks; I started crocheting during COVID and enjoy making my friends and family gifts; and I’m currently fostering the cutest dog in the world! I’m always looking for recommendations of new places to check out in the Houston area, as I’ve still only lived here for less than a year. Let me know if you have any!

Q: What are three things you can’t live without?

My water bottle, going for walks, and Spotify.

Q: What advice would you give to other women and young girls?

Be confident and love yourself. Don’t worry what others think of you. You’re the only one that ultimately has to live with you forever, so your opinion of you is what matters most.

Q: Is there anything you would like our readers to know?

Get involved at UHCL! There are so many opportunities to be a leader on campus; you just have to seek it out. Get involved with Student Government or the Campus Activities Board, apply to be an Orientation Leader join a student organization, or simply attend campus events! The second you get out of your comfort zone, you open yourself up to a whole new world of growth and possibilities. You’ll likely only regret the things you did not do, not the things you did.