Arkansas Tech University’s Lynnlee Mitchell was named the 2025 Arkansas Student Affairs Association outstanding graduate student award winner.
The Arkansas Student Affairs Association states on its website that the “purpose of this award is to recognize a master’s-level graduate student for achievement, involvement and potential for leadership in an emerging student affairs professional.”
Mitchell earned her Bachelor of Science degree in middle level education from ATU in May 2024 and began pursuit of the ATU Master of Science degree in higher education and student affairs the following August. She also took on responsibilities as a graduate teaching assistant at Arkansas Tech.
During the 2025-26 academic year, Mitchell has expanded her influence to a statewide level by serving as graduate student representative to the Arkansas Council for Women in Higher Education executive board.
“In every role she assumes, whether as a graduate assistant, student volunteer or emerging professional, Lynnlee demonstrates exceptional initiative, professionalism and leadership,” wrote Dr. Dana Tribble, who serves as ATU assistant professor of higher education and student affairs and nominated Mitchell for the award. “Her academic achievements, dedication to student success and contributions to both our institution and the field of student affairs make her an outstanding candidate for this award. She embodies the qualities of a future leader in higher education and student affairs, and I am confident she will continue to make meaningful contributions to the profession.”
A native of Lavaca, Mitchell was named Who’s Who at Arkansas Tech and was nominated by ATU College Panhellenic Council for ATU Homecoming court during her senior year as an undergraduate student at ATU.
Mitchell is the second ATU student to earn the Arkansas Student Affairs Association outstanding graduate student award. Daniel Rivera earned the honor in 2019 and now serves as recruitment coordinator for the University of Kansas Madison and Lila Self Graduate Programs.
Learn more about the ATU higher education and student affairs program at www.atu.edu/ceh/pace/hesa.
