Emma Long of Conway is considering nursing as her major and sorority membership as her campus involvement, but it was something far more fundamental that drew her to Arkansas Tech University.
“Everyone here is so nice,” said Long. “Everyone is always smiling, so I like that.”
Long was one of more than 3,000 smiling faces on hand for Time Out for Tech 2017, a high school senior preview day that took place on Thursday, Jan. 26, on the ATU campus in Russellville.
There were 1,512 high school seniors on hand for the opening session at Tucker Coliseum. Including parents and families, 3,226 individuals attended Time Out for Tech 2017.
“Today marks an important step in what will be one of the most challenging, rewarding and life-changing experiences of your life,” Dr. Robin E. Bowen, ATU president, told the opening assembly. “The pursuit of a university education is an investment in your future and the future of your family. I commend and thank each of you for investing the time today to learn more about Arkansas Tech University.
“As one of the three largest institutions of higher learning in our state, ATU offers more than 120 programs of study, ranging from technical certificates to a doctoral degree,” continued Bowen. “Included in these are several new and innovative programs, including game and interactive media design, environmental science, computer science education, cultural and geospatial studies and electrical engineering biomedical option.”
Time Out for Tech provides high school seniors and their families with a chance to learn more about the academic programs, student housing options and campus life opportunities available on the Russellville campus.
The opening session was followed by academic break-out sessions, campus tours, lunch at the various dining options on campus and a photo opportunity with Jerry the Bulldog, campus ambassador.
Julio Arroyo of Russellville came to Time Out for Tech to learn more about the middle level education program. He is considering ATU for his education because of the opportunities it will provide him to connect with his community.
“I’m looking for good people, great teachers to help me out and supporting community,” said Arroyo. “I feel like if you are more connected to those around you, it can help you achieve a higher status.”
The variety of ways to get involved impressed Robert Allen of Berryville, who plans on studying mechanical engineering at Arkansas Tech.
“You can tell just by walking in here that there are a lot of students who are dedicated to a lot of organizations and the school,” said Allen. “Attending college will change my life because it will let me choose what I want to do, and hopefully coming to Tech will help me achieve that.”
Kirsten Speilman of Havana made her first visit to Arkansas Tech on Thursday, and she found an environment that she believes will inspire her artistic side.
“The buildings are really nice and it looks like a really nice, clean campus,” said Speilman. “I’m a creative person, so I hope to find a job that will help me pursue that. I feel like Tech will help me with socializing more. I have a shell, so I’m hoping it will make me more social and outgoing.”
As a Russellville High School student, Bryland Young’s proximity to ATU has provided him with opportunities to already know and be friends with several Tech students. As he prepares to pursue a degree in physics education, he sees Arkansas Tech as a ticket to a bright future.
“A degree means more money,” said Young, “and more money means more freedom and less stress, so that’s what I’m hoping to obtain.”
For information about applying to become an undergraduate student at Arkansas Tech University, call (800) 582-6953 or (479) 968-0343. Learn more at www.atu.edu/admissions.
