Twelve individuals have been seated as the committee that will draft a new strategic plan for Arkansas Tech University.

“I have asked the members of this committee to gain input from their colleagues and develop a set of proposed strategic goals for Arkansas Tech to pursue over the next three years,” said Dr. Russell Jones, ATU president. “This will be an open process. ATU faculty, staff and students should provide feedback on their priorities and hopes for our continued progress as a university to their representatives on the committee. Once we have a draft set of strategic goals, there will be an opportunity for university-wide review and feedback in late April or early May. The finalized plan will be presented to the ATU Board of Trustees for its review and possible adoption in June.”

The ATU strategic planning committee members, listed in alphabetical order, are:

• Amy Anderson, senior woman administrator and director of student-athlete success, ATU Department of Athletics
• Dr. Jeff Aulgur, professor of organizational studies, ATU School of Professional and Community Education
• Ashlyn Brickley, ATU student
• Dr. Tim Carter, dean, ATU College of Education and Health
• Brittny Daubenheyer, assistant vice president for enrollment management, ATU Division of Student Affairs
• Arron DeGracia, director, Arkansas Tech Career Center
• Dr. Sheila R. Jacobs, chancellor, ATU-Ozark Campus
• Dr. Rockie Pederson, head, ATU Department of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science
• Fred Teague, mayor, City of Russellville
• William “Scott” Tomlin, coordinator, ATU Learning Center
• Tammy Weaver, registrar, ATU Division of Academic Affairs
• Alisha Williams, executive director of operations, ATU Division of Advancement

The ATU strategic planning process follows the adoption of a new mission statement and a new vision statement for the institution. The statements were adopted by the ATU Board of Trustees on Dec. 19, 2024, and are designed to inform and guide the strategic planning process.

The new ATU mission statement is as follows:

“Arkansas Tech University is dedicated to student success and access by providing an education that will significantly impact social mobility, enabling students to reach their greatest potential. The university has an unwavering commitment to providing life-changing educational opportunities at all levels of higher education through partnerships, research and service initiatives that contribute to the economic, cultural and social well-being of the students and the region it serves. The university will cultivate a vibrant and welcoming community, encouraging students, faculty and staff to achieve their goals in a supportive environment.”

The new ATU vision statement is as follows:

“Arkansas Tech University will empower its students to pursue their dreams and unlock their full potential by providing a high-quality, challenging education, creating a path to personal and professional success across the Arkansas River Valley, the state, the nation and beyond.”

Individuals who wish to provide the ATU strategic planning committee with information or ideas may submit them by e-mail to strategicplanning@atu.edu.

Learn more at www.atu.edu/strategicplanning.