Five students and two faculty members were recognized for their excellence in and contributions to the Arkansas Tech University College of Research and Graduate Studies during an awards ceremony at Doc Bryan Student Services Center at the close of the spring 2025 semester.
Tyler Bell of Springdale, Madison Chiolino of Russellville and Andrew Rafferty of Bentonville were chosen as the 2025 ATU graduate student of the year award winners.
Shruti Bhandari of Nepal and Braden Jones of Warren received the 2025 ATU graduate student achievement award.
Bell is a student in the Master of Arts degree in English program. He was nominated by Dr. Paola Gemme for innovative scholarship, leadership and mentorship.
Chiolino is a student in the Master of Science in Nursing degree program. She was nominated by Dr. Cheryl Monfee for compassionate care, academic excellence and community involvement.
Rafferty is a student in the Master of Science in emergency management and homeland security degree program. He was nominated by Dr. Rejina Manandhar for academic excellence, research and public engagement.
Bhandari is a student in the Master of Science in information technology and data science degree program. She was nominated by Dr. Tolga Ensari for artificial intelligence health care research, mentoring and international student service.
Jones is a student in the Master of Science degree program in emergency management and homeland security. He was nominated by Dr. Dana Tribble for academic achievement, student leadership and service to ATU.
“These five graduate students exemplify the highest ideals of academic excellence and leadership that we strive for at ATU,” said Dr. Michael Bradley, dean of the ATU College of Research and Graduate Studies. “Their dedication to scholarship and service not only sets them apart, but also inspires their peers and faculty alike. We are proud of how they represent Arkansas Tech with integrity, innovation and compassion.”
Dr. Jeremy Schwehm and Dr. Jerry Wood were the faculty award recipients from the ATU Graduate Student Council at the close of spring 2025.
Schwehm, graduate program director and professor of organizational studies, was honored for “exceptional mentorship and dedication to student development.”
Wood, graduate program director and professor of computer and information science, was honored for “exceptional mentorship and unwavering support of graduate student success.”
“Behind every successful graduate student is a dedicated mentor,” said Bradley. “Our faculty mentors exemplify the spirit of collaboration and commitment at ATU, and we are grateful for educators like Dr. Jerry Wood and Dr. Jeremy Schwehm who inspire our students to achieve their best.”
Learn more about the ATU College of Research and Graduate Studies at www.atu.edu/gradcollege.
