Arkansas Tech University President Dr. Russell Jones began first-year student orientation on Sunday, Aug. 16, by offering a reassuring message to the newest members of the ATU community.
“I know a lot of you are worried about what comes next,” said Jones while speaking in John E. Tucker Coliseum. “If you don’t know what you want to major in, it’s okay. You’re here to figure out who you want to be and the career that you want. You’ll find a path. We have so many choices for you here…you will find the right direction for you.”
ATU is anticipating its largest freshman class in at least three years and a total enrollment of approximately 9,000 students during the 2026-27 academic year. The 117th session of Arkansas Tech begins on the Russellville and Ozark campuses with the first day of classes on Wednesday, Aug. 19.
“I want to welcome you as part of our freshman class,” said Jones. “I think you made a lot of good decisions. Number one, you decided to further your education. I also think you made a great decision coming to Tech. I’ve been here six years…I wish I would’ve known about Tech back when I was a freshman in college. I think it’s a great place. It’s a welcoming place. They care about you. They go the extra mile. Everybody wants to see you succeed.”
Ricky Johnson is a freshman psychology major at Arkansas Tech. He resides in Russellville and is a graduate of Atkins High School.
“I think it’s going to be a good, new experience,” said Johnson. “I’ve been on the campus for a couple of days now because I’m part of the (marching) band, and it’s been really fun so far. I’ve met a whole bunch of really nice people, and I can’t wait to experience new parts of my life.
“It really means a lot to me,” continued Johnson. “I hope this experience will not only help me further my career, but also my ability to be more social, make more friends and have better connections with people later in life.”
The variety of elective courses available and the proximity to his home were among the reasons Johnson said he chose Arkansas Tech.
“I want to put myself out there and make a whole bunch of new friends,” said Johnson. “I want to excel academically. I want to do great. I want to be the best student I can be and the best friend I can be.”
Kaitlyn Bradley of Russellville is an ATU freshman majoring in elementary education. She graduated from Pottsville High School.
“It means a lot to be able to further my education and pursue what I want to do with the rest of my life,” said Bradley. “I’m really excited about that. I’m majoring in elementary education because I love kids and worked at a daycare through high school.
“I want to make a lot of friends,” continued Bradley. “A lot of my friends are going to Tech, but I want to make more friends in all my classes. I want to meet a lot of new people. That’s my main goal.”
ATU new student orientation for fall 2026 will conclude on Tuesday, Aug. 18. ATU Welcome Week 2026 activities will continue through Saturday, Aug. 22.
“These next four years are going to be some of the best of your life,” said Jones. “It’s a time you get to learn, make friends and network. You don’t do that by leaving your residence hall, going to class and going right back. We want you to be involved. If you’re engaged in campus life, you’ll have a lot better time here than if you don’t. We’re going to provide you good education, good food and a good place to stay in a safe environment. The more you put into it, the more you will get out of it.”
