The variety of experiences Nikki Victory has pursued during her time as a student at Arkansas Tech University have provided her with a personal definition of what it means to be a leader.
“Leadership is being the one who is there when no one else is,” said Victory, an ATU junior from Mayflower. “If a professor is asking questions in class and no one is responding, raise your hand. Leadership is about being the first one, being there for others and being selfless.”
Victory was selected by the ATU Center for Student Engagement and First-Gen Success as the March 2026 ATU student leader of the month.
“Arkansas Tech was the only place that felt like home,” said Victory when asked about her college choice. “ATU is the perfect distance because it’s only an hour away. It’s close enough that I get to see my family all the time, but I’m also gaining the independence that I need.”
Victory was no stranger to being involved on campus and beyond when she arrived at Arkansas Tech.
“I was super involved in high school,” said Victory. “I’ve always been interactive in my community, so I knew I wanted to do the same at ATU. I still remember seeing information about an event called ‘Pizza and Paint.’ It was planned by FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) and the first-gen organization, and I had just learned that I was first-gen, so those were two things I really wanted to learn more about.”
Victory did more than learn about the ATU First-Generation Student Organization. She became its president. She is also co-editor in chief for the Arka Tech student newspaper and has contributed to campus programs such as ATU Student Activities Board, the ATU College of Business and Economic Development and the ATU Department of Residence Life.
A double major in business management and digital marketing, Victory will complete her bachelor’s degrees in spring 2027. Due to her enrollment in the ATU accelerated bachelor’s to master’s program, Victory will add a master’s degree in spring 2028.
As she looks back on the past three years, Victory finds that it’s the people of ATU who have made the biggest difference in her college experience.
“The connections are the most important thing,” said Victory. “I’ve made all my college friends through my organizations and extracurriculars. When I first got (to ATU), I was kind of a recluse. I didn’t talk a lot and kept to myself, but I knew I needed to break out of my shell. I’ve grown as a person and developed so many transferable skills.”
