Dr. Julie Mikles-Schluterman, Arkansas Tech University professor of sociology, was recognized as ATU faculty member of the month by ATU Faculty Senate on Tuesday, Oct. 14.
The honor is based upon Mikles-Schluterman’s participation in a statewide collaborative effort that earned an $8 million National Science Foundation grant for the establishment of the AR-NETWORK (Arkansas Nexus for Excellence in Technology, Workforce, Outreach and Research Knowledge).
According to a news release issued by the Arkansas Research Alliance (ARA) during summer 2025, AR-NETWORK is “designed to amplify Arkansas’ research capacity, accelerate commercialization and expand STEM career pathways.”
The funding will be distributed over a four-year period.
Through Mikles-Schluterman’s involvement in AR-NETWORK, ATU faculty and students will have access to enhanced opportunities for interdisciplinary project-based learning (IPBL) courses, research projects and innovation hub access.
As part of the grant, the ATU Thinkspace has been established at the Co-Create Innovation Hub, 215 S. Arkansas Ave. in Russellville. Mikles-Schluterman will host a welcome and tour of the ATU Thinkspace from 3-5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22. ATU faculty, staff and students are invited. Refreshments will be served.
Send e-mail to jmiklesschluterman@atu.edu for more information about the ATU Thinkspace and Arkansas Tech’s involvement in the AR-Network under the auspices of the ATU Center for Community Engagement and Academic Outreach.
