Emily Williams of Jasper knew Arkansas Tech University has the academic programs that interest her before she arrived at Time Out for Tech 2025.
She attended ATU’s preview day for high school seniors on Tuesday, Oct. 28, to learn more about the opportunities for personal and social growth that exist beyond the classroom.
“The programs y’all offer are some of the best ones in the state, and it’s one of the only colleges that offers what I am going into,” said Williams, who has an interest in pursuing career opportunities with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. “I’ve got it narrowed down to two colleges, and honestly the campus life is going to be the deciding factor.”
Williams plans on majoring in tourism or fisheries and wildlife science. She said the sense of safety she feels on the Arkansas Tech campus is one of her favorite aspects of the university.
“If I do go to college, I’ll be a first-generation student,” said Williams. “For the area I want to go into, college is really the only option I have to get the experience I need. I would be ecstatic to earn my college degree. It would be an honor to carry that on for my family.”
Almost 1,000 high school seniors registered for Time Out for Tech 2025, which began with an opening ceremony at Tucker Coliseum. From there, the high school seniors in attendance fanned out across campus to attend academic fairs and a session about student organizations and student services at Arkansas Tech.
Bradley Keeter of Van Buren made his way to Chambers Cafeteria West Dining Room following the opening ceremony. There, he visited with faculty from the ATU College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
“I’ve been looking for more information about college and trying to explore my interests a little better,” said Keeter. “I felt like this was a good opportunity to do that. I know that Arkansas Tech is affordable. A lot of people from my school that graduated last year came (to ATU). They like it a lot. They like the social aspect. They like going to the sporting events. They really enjoy it here.”
Keeter is undecided on his major field of study, but he is leaning toward options related to mathematics and economics.
“I’m open to anything like that,” said Keeter. “I value education and I think it’s important to seek more knowledge. It opens up a lot of job opportunities when you get a degree. I want a career that I’m passionate about, and I think that college is the best option for me.”
Time Out for Tech attendees also learned about gaining admission to ATU, student housing, meal plans, scholarships, financial aid and campus life. There were campus tours and residence hall tours as well as a photo opportunity with Jerry the Bulldog, ATU campus ambassador.
Sidney Navarro of Huntsville came to Time Out for Tech to learn more about the nursing program. Once she arrived at the ATU College of Education and Health academic fair, she was also intrigued by Arkansas Tech’s program in kinesiology.
“I like that in kinesiology there are different aspects of it and several options you can choose from,” said Navarro. “I want to learn more about college life today. Arkansas Tech is really bright and welcoming. It looks really exciting. The faculty and staff are really nice and supportive of what you want to do. Going to college will help me improve and help others.”
Learn more about Arkansas Tech University at www.atu.edu.
