Katie E. Helms
Assistant Director of Fitness/Wellness
Intramural/Recreational Sports Program
Health Science, Kinesiology, Recreation and Dance
225 HPER Building
155 Stadium Drive
Fayetteville, AR 72701
Phone: (479) 575-4684
FAX: (479) 575-7008
khelms@uark.edu
Professional Biography:
A native of Memphis, Tenn., Katie received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Hendrix College in 1999, where she also played varsity soccer and tennis. In 2001, Katie completed her Master of Education degree in Sports Management at the University of Arkansas while serving as a Graduate Assistant in the Intramural/Recreational Sports program. After serving as Coordinator for Intramural Sports and Special Events at the University of Maryland, Katie returned to the University of Arkansas in 2004 to assume her current position as Assistant Director for Intramural/Recreational Sports.
Katie has fostered an active interest in the field of Recreational Sports since becoming involved in campus recreation during college. Since becoming a NIRSA member in 2000, she has participated in many conferences, workshops, and clinics at local, regional, and national levels. She has chaired conference and extramural committees on the state and regional levels, as well as served as a NIRSA state director. Katie’s favorite aspects of her professional field include helping students and participants to have fun, as well as providing valuable development opportunities for staff, students, and participants alike.
Job Duties:
Katie oversees four program areas within Intramural/Recreational Sports including Fitness/Wellness, Special Events, Accessible Recreation, and Instructional Programs. Specifically, she oversees the operation of the Donna Axum Fitness Center, including equipment purchasing and upkeep, staff management and development, and participant use. She also monitors Group Exercise programs including Aerobics, Mind/Body, and Aqua Aerobics. Katie organizes non-credit instructional classes including American Red Cross certifications and Learn-to-Swim classes. Katie also develops and administers special events including HYPE Night, Dive-in Movies, and fun runs. Finally, Katie oversees the Accessible Recreation Program which provides participation accommodations to participants with special needs.
