Arkansas Tech University sociology and criminal justice honor students continued their fall 2025 community service efforts by supporting the Ozark Rape Crisis Center.
The two groups operate as Project IMPACT (Interdisciplinary Minds Performing Acts of Community Transformation) and are engaged in a “Pathways to Care” initiative this year.
After a sex offender specialist from the Arkansas Department of Corrections spoke to the students earlier this month, the ATU members of Alpha Kappa Delta, a national honor society for sociology students, and Alpha Phi Sigma, a national honor society for criminal justice students, wanted to step forward and assist a local non-profit.
Dr. Jason Ulsperger, professor of sociology and criminal justice, coordinates Project IMPACT activities and arranged a visit to the Ozark Rape Crisis Center through ATU alumna Sandy Nelson, an anti-human trafficking specialist.
Nelson guided students on a tour of the Clarksville office. She explained various services, community dynamics and potential employment. Nelson credits her academic experience with shaping the way she approaches her work with survivors.
“My classes in sociology helped me understand human behavior,” said Nelson. “It has been very valuable for my job.”
Nelson first came to the center after seeing a job advertisement and taking what she describes as a leap of faith. Drawn by a strong desire to help those in need, she recognized that her mix of empathy and understanding of healthy boundaries made for a meaningful fit.
Myia Taylor, Alpha Kappa Delta president, and Haleigh Cingolani, Alpha Kappa Delta treasurer and APS member, presented the center with $1,000 in gift cards and a present for Nelson. The funds are for survivors to use after receiving center assistance. Students also designed educational flyers for the center to use in awareness and prevention outreach across the Arkansas River Valley.
Send e-mail to julsperger@atu.edu to learn more about Alpha Kappa Delta, Alpha Phi Sigma, Project IMPACT and their activities.
