Arnulfo Herrera and Exemplifying the Principles of Community

Arnulfo Herrera, a staff member at UC Davis who now works at the front desk in Mrak Hall, has spent years in different roles across campus. From earlier work in Student Housing Dining Services to his current position in a more public-facing role, his experience reflects a shift from behind-the-scenes support to direct interaction with students, families, and visitors.

Through these everyday interactions, Herrera reflects the spirit of UC Davis’s Principles of Community by showing respect, offering support, and helping others feel welcomed in even the smallest moments. His work places him at the intersection of many parts of campus, where simple conversations can shape how people experience UC Davis.

We had the chance to sit down with Herrera to learn more about his journey and how he brings the Principles of Community into his day to day work.

How long have you been at UC Davis, and what brought you here?

I’ve been part of the UC Davis community for about 22 years. I first came to Davis as a student in 2004, and later became career staff around 2010. Since then, I’ve spent about 16 years working in staff roles on campus, which has given me a long connection to the university and to the people who move through it every day.

Early in my time at UC Davis, I worked at the Culinary Support Center near Segundo as part of Student Housing Dining Services. My role there focused on preparing food for the dining commons, but that job also gave me a different perspective on how the university supports students. Even though a lot of the work happens behind the scenes, it still plays a big role in shaping students’ daily experiences.

Working in dining services helped me realize that many campus jobs are really about making students’ lives a little easier and less stressful. That mindset has stayed with me over the years and continues to influence how I approach my current role at the front desk in Mrak Hall. In that position, I try to focus on helping people, answering questions, and supporting the campus community however I can.

Can you describe your role at the front desk in Mrak Hall? What do you enjoy the most about your job? 

At the front desk in Mrak Hall, I work at a public-facing service desk where people often stop by with questions or looking for help. While many visitors are connected to the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, we also help a wide range of people, including students, staff, parents, and visitors from the public.

Most of the time, people come in trying to figure out where to go on campus or which office they need. I help point them in the right direction, whether that’s finding a building, connecting them with a department, or sharing campus resources. We also get families, prospective students, and even school groups exploring UC Davis.

What I enjoy most is interacting with people. Every conversation is different, and after being on campus for many years, I’ve gotten pretty familiar with how things work here. Sometimes I joke that I can guide people around campus faster than Google. I also enjoy learning about new buildings and resources so I can keep sharing helpful information with visitors.

As someone who often works at the front desk in our Mrak Hall, you are really one of the first people many students, staff, and faculty meet. How you think about your role in shaping people’s first impression of the overall UC Davis community?  

I try to think about it as being the welcoming face of the building.  For some people I might be their first interaction at UC Davis,  so I try to make that experience as comfortable as possible.

Everyone comes in with different personalities.  Some people are very confident asking questions,  and others feel a little unsure about where to go or who to talk to.  I try to create a space where people feel comfortable approaching the task and asking for help.  I even keep a small candy bowl on the desk because sometimes that helps people relax a little before asking their question.  A lot of time parents are visiting with students and they may have their own concerns or questions so I try to represent University in the pathway I can by being welcoming, patient and helpful. 

What motivates you to be a welcoming presence at UC Davis?

At one point, I was interested in becoming a doctor, and something that stayed with me from that was the importance of how you interact with people. That idea of listening, understanding, and helping someone in the moment really stuck with me. Over time, I have carried that same mindset into my work on campus. No matter who comes to the desk including students, parents, or visitors, I try to approach every interaction the same way: just asking, what brings you here, and how I can help. Sometimes people just need someone to guide them or make them feel a little more comfortable before they figure things out. 

At the end of the day, it is really about helping people in whatever way I can and making sure they leave feeling supported. 

What does the principles of community mean to you in your everyday work, especially in some moments that may seem small but still matter? Which line in principles of community is most meaningful to you: 

https://excellence.ucdavis.edu/news/uc-davis-way.

One line that really stands out to me is the idea that we affirm the dignity inherent in all of us.  For me,  that means treating everyone who comes to the task with respect and without judgment.

When someone  approaches the task, I try to listen first.  I don't assume why they were there or what they might need. I just asked what brings them in and how I can help. 

You never really know what someone might be going through that day,  so the best thing you can do is interact with them in a respectful and supportive way.  Even small interactions like answering a question or helping someone find where they need to go can really make a difference. 

You are known as a welcoming and steady presence in the building. Could you please share an experience where you felt your approach helped someone feel seen or supported?

One moment that stands out to me was when a student came in with their parents thinking they had an in-person appointment, but it was actually virtual. The parents were Spanish-speaking, so there was a bit of communication barrier, and the student was having trouble figuring out what to do. I helped the student get connected to the wifi and join the meeting with the person they were trying to reach. At the same time, the parents were asking me questions about UC Davis, such as whether it is a good school and if the area is safe. 

I was able to talk with them and share my experience, which helped reassure them. So it was not just about fixing the situation, but it was also about helping them feel comfortable and supported in that moment. 

Is there anything else you want to share?

I think for me,  it really calms down to the mindset you bring to your work.  No matter what row you have on campus,  you're still part of supporting the community as a whole.

It's not just about doing your job,  but it's about thinking how you can do it in a way that helps others and makes things better.  I try to keep that in mind in my day to day work,  whether it's helping someone with my information or just making sure they leave a positive experience. 

I also try to stay open to learning and there is always something new on campus,  and every interaction is a little different. Keeping that positive mindset and focusing on how to help people move forward is something that's really important to me.