Women to Watch at UA Little Rock: Muriel Schrepfer
In celebration of Women’s History Month, UA Little Rock is profiling women in leadership positions who are making a difference at the university and in the community.
The next Woman to Watch at UA Little Rock of 2025 is Muriel Schrepfer, a graphic designer in Communications and Marketing who helps to tell UA Little Rock’s story on a daily basis.
Tell us about yourself and your background.
My name is Muriel Schrepfer and I’m a graphic designer in the Office of Communications and Marketing here at UA Little Rock. I earned my BFA in graphic design from Arkansas State University in 2012. During my college years, I worked for the A-State Wesley Foundation in many roles and interned in the Publications and Creative Services office at A-State. After graduation, I accepted a full-time position as a graphic designer in the Publications and Creative Services office. I worked there for about 5 years, working closely with campus partners including Athletics, the Honors College, the University Theatre, and many more.
In 2017 I accepted a job as a graphic designer at UA Little Rock. My husband, Blayne, and I moved to Little Rock with our newborn baby to be closer to family. I’ve been married to my husband Blayne for almost 12 years, and we have two girls, Adaline who is 7, and Eliza who turns 6 at the end of the month. They keep us busy with activities and school. We enjoy going to the zoo, Arkansas Travelers games, a park or playground, cheering on the Trojans and Red Wolves, and spending time with friends and family. In my free time, I enjoy reading, crafting, and volunteering with PALS at my daughters school.
What is your current position and professional duties at UA Little Rock?
I’m a graphic designer which means I do all sorts of projects from billboards, digital ads, admissions materials, athletics schedule posters, window and door vinyls, signage for events, and so much more! I manage the marquee on University and 28th Street, and I also manage our graphic design student worker. I’m on several committees on campus including Safe Zone and the Sustainability Committee. I work closely with our Admissions, Enrollment, Student Affairs, Athletics, and Graduate School partners, among many others. I also volunteer as the Virtual Programs Chair for UCDA (University and College Designers Association).
What brought you to UA Little Rock?
My husband and I wanted to move closer to family when we started discussing starting our family. I looked for the right fit to move us to central Arkansas for a couple of years before this position became available. I moved here in August with an 8-week-old baby and sweet-talked my cousin into keeping her until we could find childcare! My husband moved here in September after accepting a new job. We lived with my aunt and uncle until we sold our home in Jonesboro and found a new house here in Little Rock! It was a wild 2017 for our new little family!
What are some of the exciting projects that you are working on at UA Little Rock?
I’m just about always working on digital ads for social media and the web. I’m working to finalize the DCSTEM recruitment booklet and Welcome Guide for TTAC.
We just finished updating our freshmen admit packet and are gearing up for a new season of recruitment pieces for admissions.
What woman has inspired you the most and why?
My mom, Jane Aston, has been a true example of hard work, kindness, and perseverance, shaping me into the strong and independent person I am today. She (and my dad) were always my biggest cheerleaders, supporting me in everything I pursued. As a retired RN and a single mom during those tough teenage years, she navigated challenges with unwavering strength. She stood firm in what she believed was best for me—and looking back, I’m incredibly grateful for her encouragement, guidance, and resilience.
What’s one leadership lesson you’ve learned in your career?
I’ve learned leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about working together, understanding your team, valuing other perspectives, and empowering them. When a leader believes in their team, everyone is able to be successful and grow.
What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?
A good attitude is contagious. When you stay positive and adaptable, you inspire those around you to do the same. You can change someone’s day by being kind and understanding and spreading joy.
Name something about yourself that most people would be surprised to learn.
I am an Alaska Native Inupiaq on my mother’s side and was named after my great-aunt Muriel Hagberg who was Miss Alaska in 1953. My great-grandmother, Laura Beltz Hagberg-Wright, designed and patented Laura Wright Alaska Parkys and was a “sharpshooter” in the WWII Tundra Army.
What is your favorite quote and why?
“It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.” – Albus Dumbledore
I think this is a great reminder for all of us to stay in the present, enjoy the day-to-day life we are blessed with, and not over-focus on things in the future or out of our control.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I love working in higher education because the projects we work on highlight the university’s impact in our community, commitment to innovation and research, and dedication to supporting our students. The variety of projects I get to work on makes each day fun and exciting!