Arkansas Tech University President Dr. Russell Jones reported feeling a wide variety of emotions as he stood behind the podium at Tucker Coliseum and delivered his inaugural address to the ATU community on Friday, Oct. 11.
“Those emotions include honor, humility, nervousness and excitement, which manifest themselves in several ways,” said Jones. “I am honored that the (ATU) Board of Trustees has trusted me to lead this great institution and carry on the traditions that have existed at Arkansas Tech for more than 115 years. I am humbled by the people I now call my colleagues…my accomplished fellow presidents and chancellors from around this great state, who work so diligently to further higher education in Arkansas.
“I am also humbled when I look at the medallion around my neck and see the names of my 12 predecessors in this role,” continued Jones. “Each of them has worked diligently to build this university into what it is today.”
Jones was inaugurated as the 13th president of ATU during the ceremony. Len Cotton of Dardanelle, chairman of the ATU Board of Trustees, served as master of ceremonies. Cotton presented the ceremonial chain of office and the university mace to Jones.
“In addition to feeling humbled by my predecessors, they make me a little nervous because I don’t want to let any of them down,” said Jones. “If I let the university down, I let each of them down on what they have worked so hard to build here at Tech. So, yes, there’s a little nervousness.”
Jones shared that his life experience as a first-generation college graduate fuels his desire to provide educational opportunities for Arkansas Tech students.
“My excitement is based on the possibility of where we can go from here and what we can build on,” said Jones. “Arkansas Tech exists to provide knowledge and opportunity to individuals with a hunger to become more. That is an important mission, and I feel it on both a personal and professional level. I am committed to upholding the highest standards of education and ensuring that every student at Arkansas Tech receives a quality education.”
Jones told the audience — which included ATU students, faculty, staff and alumni as well as members of his family and other supporters — about his vision for the future of the university.
“Arkansas Tech is, first and foremost, a teaching institution,” said Jones. “Arkansas Tech is student-centered. Student access is a significant portion of our mission, and that begins with affordability. As you may know, we were the only public four-year university in Arkansas that did not increase tuition, mandatory fees or student housing costs this year. We will attempt to have minimal tuition raises in the future.
“Our primary constituency comprises local residents from the Arkansas River Valley and the surrounding region…the sons and daughters of hard-working families from various backgrounds,” continued Jones. “For many, Arkansas Tech represents their only access point to a better life through higher education. Dr. Brown was fond of speaking that truth during his many years as president, and his words remain as accurate today as they were then.”
A native of Marianna, Jones holds a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering technology and a Master of Science degree in information systems from Arkansas State University.
He earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Texas at Arlington with a dual major in accounting and information systems.
Jones returned to his alma mater and served on the faculty at ASU, where he was the Kathy White Endowed Professor of Management Information Systems (2006-2020).
His previous roles at ASU included chair of accounting and information technology (2015-2018), Master of Business Administration director (2009-2012), associate professor of decision sciences (1995-2005) and assistant professor of computer information systems (1989-1995).
Jones has been a member of the Arkansas Tech community since 2020. He joined ATU as dean of the ATU College of Business, which was later re-named the ATU College of Business and Economic Development. His faculty rank is professor of accounting.
The ATU Board of Trustees appointed Jones interim president on Aug. 17, 2023, and elected him the 13th president of Arkansas Tech on June 20, 2024. He took office on July 1, 2024.
“As we all begin this new chapter together, there are great possibilities for Arkansas Tech University’s future,” said Jones. “Arkansas Tech is a jewel. Once people get here, they know they’ve made the right decision. That is why we have one of the highest student retention rates in the state at 75 percent.
“As we set the course for Arkansas Tech’s future, it will be rooted in our core characteristics as an institution,” continued Jones. “We will remain true to the DNA of who and what we are…while embracing the same courage to change that allowed us to progress from the Second District Agricultural School…to Arkansas Polytechnic College…to Arkansas Tech University…and always meet the evolving needs of our students.”
