For Damien Jordan, graduating from Arkansas Tech University is not just a personal achievement. It’s the fulfillment of the investment his parents made in him all his life.
“It means a lot to be a college graduate,” said Jordan. “My mom and dad have pushed me since I was really young to get good grades, be productive and do something with my life. I know a lot of people that are of my ethnicity do not get to experience this kind of accomplishment, so I want to be able to set the example for people back home, to be a leader and be somebody that people look up to.”
Arkansas Tech began its spring 2025 commencement weekend with a ceremony at John E. Tucker Coliseum on Friday, May 9. Jordan’s degree is one of more than 1,800 ATU is conferring upon graduates this semester.
A native of Olive Branch, Miss., Jordan learned about Arkansas Tech when ATU alumnus Anthony Toney recommended the university to him. At Arkansas Tech, Jordan found the two things he was looking for — a quality academic program in economics and an opportunity to play football.
Jordan earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree with a concentration in finance and economics and was a student-athlete in the Wonder Boys’ football program.
“Some of the big highlights were from being on the football team,” said Jordan when asked about his favorite moments at ATU. “When you play a sport in college, you build a brotherhood and a lot of friendships. I really got the chance to bond with a couple of guys on the team. I consider them my true brothers.”
Jordan, who graduated from ATU with highest honors, credits his time management skills with allowing him to succeed in athletics and in the classroom.
“I knew that I had to apply that skill set to college, and I want to apply it to life as well,” said Jordan. “I have big goals. I want to be an entrepreneur and things of that nature, so everything I do with my time is of importance…especially with my faith. Spending time with God is very important as well. Everything you do builds who you are as a person.”
Jordan’s personality evolved as he became more involved at Arkansas Tech and in the surrounding community.
“It’s night and day,” said Jordan. “When I first got here, I didn’t talk to anybody. I was very shy and closed off. As the years went on and I got to meet new people, I told myself to open up, be myself and get out of my shell.”
Abby Cutsinger of Fort Smith received her Bachelor of Science degree in recreation and park administration with an emphasis in natural resource management from ATU on Friday, May 9.
“I really love plants and people,” said Cutsinger. “I started looking into programs that could put those two passions together, and the parks and rec program at Arkansas Tech University was the one that fit my personality the most.”
Cutsinger said working on the Arkansas Tech spring plant sale with peers and faculty members in the ATU Department of Agriculture and Tourism and serving as president of the ATU Tourism Society for two years were among her favorite experiences at Arkansas Tech.
When asked which ATU faculty member had the biggest impact on her college experience, Cutsinger immediately thought of Dr. Cathi McMahan, ATU professor of tourism.
“She is just the type of person that makes you want to be the best version of yourself,” said Cutsinger. “She wants you to work hard and learn on your own. She’s kind of like our department mom.”
Cutsinger hopes to use her Arkansas Tech degree as a springboard to become a leader in her community.
“I have a lot more experience now than when I first got here,” said Cutsinger. “I have more direction now than when I first got here. I didn’t even know half of what was possible. It’s really exciting…it’s really scary…but it’s mostly exciting right now. I want to go on to get my master’s degree, go into public horticulture and really give back to my hometown and the Arkansas River Valley.”
Meredith Whitted of Dover followed in the footsteps of her grandmother, mother and brother when she chose to enroll at Arkansas Tech as a transfer student before her junior year of college.
“I didn’t know anybody, so I decided to join a sorority,” said Whitted when asked about her early days at ATU. “I joined Zeta Tau Alpha, and they have brought me my lifelong friends. I was scared when I first came here. I did not have any self-confidence, but meeting the people I met and building the relationships I have developed made me the person I am today.”
Whitted earned her Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture business with an emphasis in pre-veterinary medicine from Arkansas Tech on Friday, May 9.
She pointed to Dr. Molly Brant and Charlie Metz from the ATU agriculture program as two of the biggest influences on her Arkansas Tech education. She plans to continue her studies by pursuing veterinary school.
“It’s surreal,” said Whitted when asked what it’s like to be a college graduate. “It honestly hasn’t hit me yet. I don’t know how to feel about it. I don’t feel like I’m old enough to be here, but I did it.”
