Taniyah Williams had learned as much about Arkansas Tech University as she could without visiting it in person.
When she arrived on campus for Time Out for Tech on Tuesday, Nov. 12, the reality was everything she hoped it would be.
“I had already done a lot of research on (Arkansas Tech), and I thought it would be a good match for me,” said Williams, a senior at Little Rock Southwest High School. “The environment is nice and calm. I just like it here. My research told me that (ATU) is a good school and the graduation rate was really high. I liked that. I like that it is away from home, but not too far. I like the students. Everybody is kind and friendly.”
Williams said she would like to learn more about the nursing program at ATU. She’s looking forward to college with one specific goal in mind.
“I want to be a first-generation graduate,” said Williams.
Time Out for Tech is an annual visit day that provides high school seniors with a preview of learning and living at Arkansas Tech in Russellville.
More than 900 high school seniors from the class of 2025 registered for Time Out for Tech, and approximately 700 of them and their family members checked in for the opening session at Tucker Coliseum.
Clayton Anderson of Dardanelle was among the high school seniors who attended Time Out for Tech already knowing they are bound for Arkansas Tech in fall 2025.
“It’s a good opportunity to see what’s happening,” said Anderson. “There are a lot of good people out here, good traditions and everybody’s really nice. I’ve learned some new things about the fishing club and fraternities. There’s some good stuff around here. If anything, today has only made my opinion of Arkansas Tech better.”
Time Out for Tech attendees learned about gaining admission to ATU, student housing, meal plans, scholarships, financial aid and campus life. There were academic fairs that provided details about each student’s preferred field of study as well as campus and residence hall tours and photo opportunities with Jerry the Bulldog, ATU campus ambassador.
It was that four-legged charmer that hooked Lauren Montroy of Bentonville.
“I like Jerry a lot,” said Montroy. “He makes me happy.”
Montroy said she is still evaluating her options for which university she will attend. She came to Time Out for Tech hoping to learn more about the athletics program and sorority life at Arkansas Tech.
“I like (ATU) a lot,” said Montroy, who plans on studying business at the undergraduate level. “It’s very pretty. This will definitely be a very big option for me when choosing schools.”
Clay Drake of Dover said he likes that Arkansas Tech is close to home. He is interested in studying computer engineering or computer science.
“I think (ATU) is pretty cool,” said Drake as he toured the student organization fair at Hindsman Tower during Time Out for Tech. “It has a nice culture and atmosphere. Going to college will help me have a good future and good opportunities to succeed in life.”
Learn more about campus tours and upcoming visit days at Arkansas Tech by visiting www.atu.edu/admissions/personaltours.php.
Learn about applying for admission to Arkansas Tech at www.atu.edu/apply.
