Where do we go from here?

As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, the answer will help define our priorities and reshape our society in the years to come.

Arkansas Tech University grappled with that question throughout the 2020-21 academic year. Our university community participated in a restructuring process that is positioning ATU to meet the evolving needs of our constituents and contribute to the post-pandemic economic recovery of our state.

At Arkansas Tech, academics take priority. That is an absolute. Academics drive our decision making. As we move forward, we will retain, nurture and grow our traditional undergraduate and graduate programs.

However, if we want to thrive, our operational model must evolve to one that better meets the needs of the student of tomorrow. That means a sharpened focus on one of our institutional strengths—stackable degrees—and a commitment to offer credentials on a timeline and through delivery methods that are accessible to a wide variety of lifelong learners.

In addition, we must be more responsive to the larger community…and we must demonstrate to our constituents that there is great return on investment at Arkansas Tech.

We have amazing people—students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends—at Arkansas Tech. We have an institutional culture of determination, caring and innovation. Each of those qualities served us well during the pandemic, and they will serve us well again as our university begins to look, sound and feel like Arkansas Tech again.

Arkansas Tech has faced world wars, drastic economic downturns and societal revolutions throughout its 112-year history. Each time, the institution has weathered the storm, mitigated the negative effects, learned lessons and emerged better than before.

We will do it again. I look forward to working with you to make it so.

Sincerely,

Dr. Robin E. Bowen
President

Dear Alumni and Friends,

The Arkansas Tech University Alumni Board has had a very interesting and productive year. The 2020-21 academic year has brought many new challenges to our lives due to the pandemic. We learned how to adapt to new social norms through virtual communication and programming while also attempting to provide meaningful experiences to those who volunteer and serve. The alumni board is encouraged by the new opportunities that will improve the success of the ATU Alumni Board and student body.

The Alumni Office and Career Services developed a Mentor Program over the past semester and are getting ready to pilot this program during the 2021-2022 academic year. The mission of this program is to empower alumni and students to make meaningful mentor relationships by creating connections with one another and the university for the pursuit of a lifetime of career achievement and university connection. While one of the main goals of this program is to equip students with skills and tools needed to make sound education and career decisions, it also enables alumni to develop a meaningful connection with current ATU students and the institution.

As we venture into this new academic year, I hope you will join me in celebrating this new program as well as the accomplishments of the institution as we move forward together. If you would like to volunteer to serve as a mentor, feel free to connect with the ATU Alumni Office or an Alumni Board member to fill out a quick application. This is a great way to get involved with Arkansas Tech and a great way to have an impact on an ATU student’s life!

Until we can gather with one another again, wishing you and your family health and happiness.

Sincerely,
Skot Covert, ATU Alumni Board President

for the Tech Action, Fall 2021