Joshua Andrade of Dardanelle found a learning environment that suits his outlook on life when he visited Arkansas Tech University for Time Out for Tech 2026 on Tuesday, Oct. 27.
“Arkansas Tech is very leadership oriented,” said Andrade, who would like to major in business management at ATU. “There are a lot of leadership organizations represented here today. They like people getting involved, which is something I appreciate. I take the approach that being involved is a learning tool for me.”
Time Out for Tech is Arkansas Tech’s largest annual preview day for high school seniors. It provides them with a full day of activities and information, all of which is designed to show high school seniors what it is like to attend Arkansas Tech and how they can find their fit on campus.
“We just wanted to see what Tech can offer us for the next step in our academic journey,” said Andrade, who attended Time Out for Tech with a group of friends from Dardanelle High School. “I like Arkansas Tech. It is close to home, which is something that most people in my group are concerned about. It’s only 10 minutes from our hometown, so we can definitely save on gas, housing and food…all of that stuff that goes with moving out of your home. I also like being closer to family so I can have that big support group around me, which is important.
“I want to eventually manage my own business,” continued Andrade. “I used to think you didn’t need a college degree to be successful, but I’ve learned that if you want to have success in life, you have to have some kind of college education. You can work your way up, but you have to work twice as hard without a college degree. If you have one, it’s going to make your life a whole lot easier.”
More than 1,200 guests attended for Time Out for Tech 2026, including 833 high school seniors. Attendance by high school seniors at Time Out for Tech increased 26 percent compared to one year ago.
“I’ve always considered (Arkansas Tech),” said Khamadri Goodwin of Fort Smith, who wants to study nursing. “It’s really nice…I like how open it is and how close everyone is. It’s not like you’re going to run across a lot of strangers. Everyone is a friend of a friend, and I like that. Graduating from college means everything. You need a degree to have a good job and thrive.”
The day began with an opening ceremony at Tucker Coliseum. From there, the high school seniors in attendance fanned out across campus to attend academic fairs hosted by the ATU College of Arts and Humanities, the ATU College of Business and Economic Development, the ATU College of Education and Health and the ATU College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
Representatives from student organizations and student services offices at Arkansas Tech occupied tables on Mullens Plaza at Ferguson Student Union and provided high school seniors with additional information.
“I love the university and I’m from Russellville, so I thought it would be interesting,” said Jackson Burt when asked why he attended Time Out for Tech 2026. “I’m definitely thinking about coming here. It’s a beautiful campus with good food and good people…it’s just great all around. I’m looking forward to seeing what the inside of Arkansas Tech looks like…the things you don’t see when you come on a surface-level tour.”
Burt is interested in majoring in music education. His Time Out for Tech experience included learning about the fraternities on campus and the ATU Honors program.
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.
“I’ve heard really good things about Arkansas Tech,” said Wendy Armenta of DeQueen. “I’m really interested to learn about the nursing program. I think this is a really cool school. There are so many opportunities for people, and everyone seems so nice. I really want to be someone who helps people and makes a change in society. Graduating from college means accomplishing your goal and your dream…it’s where you want to be.”
Learn more about Arkansas Tech University at www.atu.edu.
