Arkansas Tech University President Dr. Russell Jones shared what he believes to be the secret to success in college with ATU’s newest students during the opening session of first-year student orientation on Saturday, Aug. 16.
“The thing that is incumbent upon you as students is to get out of your comfort zone,” said Jones, who took office as the 13th president of Arkansas Tech on July 1, 2024. “You’ve taken the first step by coming here for the opening session of orientation. Now…are you going to attend the rest of the freshman orientation activities? Are you going to join a registered student organization? Are you going to join a fraternity or a sorority? Are you going to show up on Sept. 11 to cheer on our Wonder Boys at the first home football game? How active are you going to be? College is like a lot of other things. You get out of it what you put into it.
“Start off right,” continued Jones. “Start off by being active in freshman orientation experiences this week, but don’t stop at the end of this week. Stay active. Stay engaged. An engaged student is a retained student. A retained student becomes a graduated student. Anything we can do…we’re here for you. You’re the reason we exist.”
The first-year orientation opening session took place at Tucker Coliseum. Dozens of returning Arkansas Tech students serving as orientation leaders helped welcome the incoming ATU students and will lead the newcomers through the remainder of their orientation program, which will conclude on Tuesday, Aug. 19. The first day of class is set for Wednesday, Aug. 20.
William Vick of Maumelle was among the ATU first-year students on hand for the opening session of orientation, but it was far from his first visit to campus. His grandfather, Bruce Vick, graduated from Arkansas Tech and William has fond memories of many family gatherings at Feltner’s Whatta-Burger across the street from campus over the years.
“It’s like I’ve been prepping my entire life to come to this university, and every decision I made led to here,” said Vick.
Vick’s long-term career goal is to become a military analyst for the U.S. Department of Defense. He found his ideal pathway to that goal through the political science program at Arkansas Tech. Beyond the classroom, Vick is interested in pursuing opportunities with the Arka Tech student newspaper, Tech TV and the ATU History Club.
“I felt really welcome today,” said Vick when asked to reflect on ATU’s residence hall move-in day, which also took place on Saturday, Aug. 16. “Everyone on campus has been really nice, guiding and understanding. I haven’t felt out of place. It has felt like home all day. I want to be the best student I can be, meet new people, form some connections and really make a lasting impact if I can.”
Vick wasn’t the only student at the orientation opening session with Arkansas Tech family ties. Hattie Tarte of Dardanelle is the third generation of her family to enroll at Tech.
“Today was a very interesting day,” said Tarte. “It was a little hectic, but it’s okay. I’ve had a lot of fun and everyone has been very, very kind. I’ve come to love Tech more and so have all my friends.”
Tarte plans to pursue the pre-law academic program at ATU. She will also sing in the Arkansas Tech choral music program, and she is interested in learning more about the fraternity and sorority life opportunities on campus.
“I hope I become more social and make more friends,” said Tarte. “I’m looking to expand altogether as a person. It will mean the world to me to graduate from Tech. This is an amazing place.”
The 2025-26 academic year marks the first for Amy Pennington as Arkansas Tech vice president for student affairs. The former ATU Student Government Association president and career staff member at Arkansas Tech expressed how excited she and her colleagues in the ATU Division of Student Affairs are to welcome students back to campus.
“We have anxiously counted down the days, hours and minutes until your arrival,” said Pennington during the first-year student orientation opening session. “We can’t wait for you to experience all the things we have planned for you over the next few days. I want you to look around for a minute. These are your classmates. These are your future friends. These are your future business partners…your road trip buddies for life, your bandmates…it’s your crew. I challenge you this week to find your people. You will find them here. You’re not just starting college. You’re beginning a journey. It’s not just about the textbooks. It’s not just about the grades you will earn. It’s about discovering who you are, and sometimes who you don’t want to be. It’s about trying new things. It’s about meeting people. It’s about challenging and being challenged.
“Here at Arkansas Tech, I want you to know you are more than your student ID number to us,” continued Pennington. “You’re part of a tradition of hard workers. Our students are known for that. We make a difference. Our students are really known for that. We’re here to cheer you on when you succeed, and we’re going to help you get back up when things get tough. Here’s my challenge to you: say yes to opportunities when they come knocking. Get involved. Join that club. Go to the game. Ask questions. We’re here to answer them. If you get lost, on campus or in life, ask for directions. We’ve got you…myself, my team, all these awesome orientation leaders at the back of the room…we’ve got you. Welcome to the start of something amazing. Welcome to Arkansas Tech University, and I hope you will join us in making this the best year yet.”
