Defined as “the quality of being friendly, generous and considerate,” kindness is that and so much more. Kindness is a word or action that leads to a feeling of hope for both the giver and the recipient. 

A record number of freshmen—1,726 on the Russellville campus and 372 on the Ozark campus—arrived at Arkansas Tech University in fall 2019. Many are full of hope for a brighter future through higher education. Many need our kindness to help them achieve their academic goals. 

Fortunately, Arkansas Tech University is home to a culture of kindness that empowers student access and student success.

That culture is reflected in the learning environment created and maintained by our faculty and staff. Some people talk about “going the extra mile.” ATU faculty and staff live on that extra mile and ensure that our students have the transformative experiences that will prepare them for success beyond graduation.  

ATU alumni and friends demonstrate kindness in equally important ways. The biannual Breakfast During Finals program makes our students and employees feel valued during the most stressful part of the semester. The individuals who comprise the ATU Alumni Association and ATU Foundation boards offer a salient combination of expertise, innovation and commitment to the highest standards. 

Perhaps the most meaningful demonstration of kindness at ATU comes in the form of scholarships made possible by donations to the ATU Foundation. Those donations provided more than $550,000 in scholarship funds to more than 350 scholarship recipients during 2018-19. 

To those of you who have established or contribute to ATU Foundation scholarships, and those who support our great university in other ways, please accept my deepest appreciation. Your kindness plays an indispensable role in providing opportunities to current and future students at Arkansas Tech University. 

Sincerely,
Dr. Robin E. Bowen
President, for the Tech Action, Spring 2020