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Arkansas Tech University starts work on two projects identified by master plan
Arkansas Tech University in Russellville has taken the first steps of a 20-year journey to implement the campus master plan, which was approved by ATU’s board of trustees last October. Since then, the board has moved forward on two priority projects for the Russellville campus: a new campus entrance and a new student union and recreation center. The board authorized the university to begin the architect selection process for the new center, said Sam Strasner, director of university relations, who added that the board will complete a step-by-step review of each project identified by the plan. The new facility will offer a hub for student life at the center of the campus, as well as a public plaza. The recreation center will include spaces for exercising, group fitness classes and indoor intramural sports, Strasner said, adding that the student union will provide gathering places to foster friendships between students and enhance the university’s sense of community. “The student recreation center and student union will serve as the living room of the campus, whereby social, academic, wellness and cocurricular needs can be met,” he added. “All of this will help recruit, retain and graduate our students.” The board also filed a request with the Arkansas Department of Transportation to install and fund a stoplight at a proposed campus entrance connecting North Arkansas Avenue to Coliseum Drive near the University Commons apartments, he said, adding that the Arkansas Highway Commission has approved the new entrance. According to the master plan, the project will include a parking reconfiguration set to yield about 200 new parking spaces. The new entrance will reduce traffic at the West O Street and North Arkansas Avenue entrance, improving pedestrian safety, the plan states. The master plan complements the strategic plan adopted by the university in 2016, which outlines four goals for the university’s development, including a human core, academic coherence, operations excellence, and citizens of the region, state and world. By establishing short- and long-term recommendations for ATU’s properties, the master plan provides a tangible path toward those goals, according to Perkins+Will, campus master-planning consultants, in the report presented to the trustees in October. “The master plan is a critical tool that moves from strategic planning to on-the-ground actions that secure the future success of the institution,” the report concludes. “The collective vision will ‘put the tech back in Tech’ and has gone a long way to aligning all participants under the ‘ATU: One University’ banner of the strategic plan.” The master plan was drafted using six task forces that included representation from students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members, Strasner said. The six task forces focused on assessing building/facility needs and space utilization; enhancing transportation and parking; improving technology infrastructure; creating sustainable campuses; integrating community and preserving campus heritage; and ensuring safety and security. The plan was developed using information such as a facility-condition assessment, enrollment projections, academic needs, student-housing assessments, community input sessions, and an online survey of students and staff. In addition to the Russellville campus, the plan examined ATU’s Ozark campus, Lake Point Conference Center on Lake Dardanelle, and the Arkansas Tech Career Center at Russellville High School. Recommendations are divided into priority projects, incremental projects, long-term projects and revenue/ strategic moves. Other priority projects recommended for the Russellville campus include new student housing; a new performing and visual arts center; and a new science, technology, engineering and mathematics building. The plan also offers recommendations for the El Paso District south of campus. ATU previously employed Miller Boskus Lack Architects to investigate the potential for residential and mixed-use developments in the district, the plan states. The proposed mixed-use development would include a mix of housing for upperclassmen and graduate students, along with other amenities. According to the plan, the proposed district would encourage walking and cycling between the campus and downtown, strengthening the city’s economy. Strasner said it is likely the master plan will change over the course of the 10-to-20-year implementation period. “We are still very early in the implementation phase, so there are a lot of unknowns at this time,” he said. “There will inevitably be adjustments as priorities shift and availability of resources changes.” The full master plan is available at atu. edu/masterplanning/masterplan.php.