Arkansas Tech University has defined the five focus areas for the next iteration of its strategic plan following approval by the ATU Board of Trustees.
“Arkansas Tech continues to advance its mission and respond to the evolving needs of students, faculty, staff and the broader community,” wrote Dr. Russell Jones, ATU president, in a memorandum to trustees proposing the five focus areas. “It is critical to establish clear priorities to guide institutional decision making and resource allocation. After campus-wide input and in consultation with the strategic planning committee, five strategic focus areas have been identified to shape the next iteration of the university’s strategic plan.”
The focus areas are:
- Academic Delivery and Relevance
- Institutional Branding, Marketing and Strategic Positioning
- Employee Support, Morale and Retention
- Campus Infrastructure and Financial Resources
- Campus Life, Community Connections and Student Support
Jones wrote in the memorandum that working groups will be established for each of the five focus areas. That work will begin at the outset of the fall 2025 semester in August.
“These groups will be tasked with developing measurable and actionable goals that align with the institution’s mission and vision,” wrote Jones. “These working groups will include representatives from faculty, staff, students, community and administration to ensure broad engagement and accountability.”
Jones went on to express appreciation to the members of the ATU strategic planning committee for “their leadership, insight and commitment throughout this process.”
The ATU strategic planning committee members, listed in alphabetical order, are:
- Amy Anderson, senior woman administrator and director of student-athlete success, ATU Department of Athletics
- Dr. Jeff Aulgur, professor of organizational studies, ATU School of Professional and Community Education
- Ashlyn Brickley, ATU student
- Dr. Tim Carter, dean, ATU College of Education and Health
- Brittny Daubenheyer, assistant vice president for enrollment management, ATU Division of Student Affairs
- Dr. Sheila R. Jacobs, chancellor, ATU-Ozark Campus
- Dr. Rockie Pederson, head, ATU Department of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science
- Fred Teague, mayor, City of Russellville
- Scott Tomlin, coordinator, ATU Learning Center
- Tammy Weaver, registrar, ATU Division of Academic Affairs
- Alisha Williams, executive director of operations, ATU Division of Advancement
Bill Clary, chairman of the ATU Board of Trustees, is serving as an ex-officio member of the ATU strategic planning committee as a representative of the board.
