Arkansas Tech University makes big plans and big improvements
Arkansas Tech University has become a hub of learning and knowledge for Russellville, the surrounding area and the state of Arkansas. The university and its staff are constantly making improvements through new programs, new facilities and future projects.
Arkansas Tech recently announced a new freshman-enrollment record. On Sept. 5, the 11th day of class for the fall 2019 semester, there were 1,726 freshmen enrolled at the Russellville campus and 372 freshmen enrolled at the Ozark campus. That was the largest freshman headcount in the school’s history.
“Through a proactive approach by our Division of Enrollment Management and so many others to better saturate our state, Arkansas Tech University delivered its message of opportunity to prospective students and their families during the 2018-19 recruiting cycle,” said Robin E. Bowen, ATU president. “We are pleased that so many incoming freshmen recognized ATU’s ability to deliver enhanced opportunities through higher education. Our faculty and staff will channel the natural grit and determination of our students by providing a caring and supportive learning environment that will facilitate continued success through commencement day and beyond.”
This summer, Arkansas Tech completed construction on a new cybersecurity lab on campus. The lab will be used by a variety of classes within the university’s department of computer and information science.
The school’s cybersecurity program, which began in 2017, serves approximately 400 students who are pursuing bachelor’s degrees in computer science, computer science education, cybersecurity, information systems and information technology; two associate degrees in cybersecurity and information technology; and a Master of Science degree in information technology.
Gov. Asa Hutchinson, who facilitated funding for the lab, toured the facility in July and spoke about the importance of producing graduates in cybersecurity fields.
“The demand is extraordinary across the country,” Hutchinson said. “Arkansas has as great a demand as anyone because of Walmart and the industry that is here. They must have those information technology and cybersecurity professionals. You are in a good field, and you should have great opportunities right here [in Arkansas].”
The Arkansas Tech University Museum is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. The museum, which was established in 1989, works to provide a center for collection, conservation, interpretation and research concerned with the history of Arkansas Tech University, while making this knowledge available to the public. Students are able to gain a deeper understanding of the university’s heritage and view guest exhibits. The museum is also open to the general public.
“Thirty years is a significant milestone and indicative of the value that the ATU Museum has delivered to its patrons over the past three decades,” said Sam Strasner, director of university relations.
Arkansas Tech is also moving forward with its Tech Plaza studentunion project. Architects visited the campus in August to get feedback on the plaza. Students, faculty and staff participated in focus groups that will help Miller Boskus Lack and Smith-Group design the project, Strasner said. It was the first of four visits the architects will make this semester.
Strasner said the Tech Plaza student-union project is part of the school’s master plan that was approved by the board of trustees in 2017. Strasner said the lack of a student union and campus recreation center has been consistently communicated to the university by current and prospective students for several years. Tech Plaza will be constructed south of Chambers Cafeteria on a plot of land currently occupied by the W.O. Young Building, which is scheduled for demolition in 2020.