Arkansas Tech grads set sights on new adventures
RUSSELLVILLE — Fall commencement 2017 was a time of transition for Arkansas Tech University graduates who were honored during ceremonies Friday and Saturday.
Emily Free of Beebe was one of several hundred ATU graduates who walked across the floor of Tucker Coliseum in Russellville.
Just a few hours after receiving her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree, she made a different walk, traveling down the aisle to marry Jacob Jones.
“My head is spinning,” Free said shortly before she graduated Saturday morning. “I think it will be special in the future to have all these memories from one day. I really wanted to walk at graduation because I am a firstgeneration college student, so it was special to my family.”
The quick wardrobe change from cap and gown to wedding dress was made necessary by Jones’ profession as a U.S. Marine. Saturday was the day that fit his schedule, and Free was more than happy to take on the doubleheader of life-changing events.
“Why not do it all?” the bride-to-be asked.
Arkansas Tech students earned approximately 900 degrees and additional academic credentials at the close of the fall 2017 semester.
Chiquita Scott of Brinkley was standing in the Tucker Coliseum corridor the morning of Dec. 16 awaiting the moment when she would hear her name called.
“It feels great,” said Scott, who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology. “I am really nervous the longer I stand here.”
Scott started her ATU journey as a nursing major, but she was inspired to switch to psychology after taking an introductory course taught by Jason Warnick.
“I knew that I had to something amazing in what he was talking about,” Scott said. “I decided to change majors and see how it went. I ended up having several of his classes, and I knew I made the right choice.”
She also pointed to Nichole Edwards, adviser in the ATU Student Support Services program, as a key mentor in helping her reach graduation day.
“Mrs. Nichole was there every step of the way,” Scott said. “When I changed my major, she helped me figure out what I wanted to do. She is awesome.”
Scott plans on pursuing a graduate degree in psychology and a career in the field, possibly as a clinician.
Andrew Rowton received a Bachelor of Professional Studies degree from Arkansas Tech on Saturday.
Rowton, of Lonoke, departs ATU with countless experiences that helped shape him.
“There are too many memories to count,” Rowton said. “Freshman year was a good time. I probably should have studied more, and I might have been here a little earlier.”
Proximity to his hometown was one of several reasons that Arkansas Tech was the right fit for Rowton.
“I had a bunch of friends up here, and I liked the football team,” he said. “It’s a great town, and I’ve really enjoyed living here. Tech proved itself right the whole time I was here, and it’s a community with a lot of good places to eat and good gyms to work out at.”