Arkansas
ATU Begins New Strategic Planning Process – Arkansas Tech University
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.
CORNING, Ark. (KATV) — Regulatory Enforcement Agents with the Department of Finance and Administration, along with local police, seized a significant amount of illegal THC products from Pacific Green in Corning on Tuesday.
According to the DFA, more than a dozen agents joined the City of Corning Police in the day-long operation that resulted in two arrests.
DFA agents seized more than 25 pounds of illegal products consisting of flower, vapes, and edibles.
Owner Ben Bennett and employee Sharia Shipman were arrested and both charged with the following:
- Delivery of a Schedule VI controlled substance (Class D Felony)
- Possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance with the purpose to deliver (Class B Felony)
- Controlled substances – Offenses relating to records, maintaining premises (Class C Felony)
- Possession of drug paraphernalia (Class D Felony)
- Unauthorized use of another person’s property to facilitate certain crimes (Class C Felony)
Bennett’s bond was set at $150,000, while Shipman’s bond was set at $100,000.
“In addition to selling illegal products, investigators confirmed violations involving underage access at this location,” said David Potter, Director of the Regulatory Enforcement Division. “This retailer, which was located within 1,000 feet of a school, presented significant public health and safety concerns. We are proud to partner with the Corning Police Department in addressing these violations. We seized a substantial quantity of illegal products, including flower, vapes, edibles, and other items, during the operation. We appreciate the cooperation of local law enforcement and information received from the community that led to yesterday’s operation and stopped this blatant disregard of the law.”
Note: All suspects accused of a crime are presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court of law.
The Department of Finance and Administration said Arkansans can use Apple Wallet to present their license or ID in person, online and in apps at select organizations, including at more than 250 Transportation Security
IDEMIA Public Security North America and the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration’s Division of Driver Services and Motor Vehicles have launched Arkansas driver’s licenses and state IDs in Apple Wallet, allowing residents to securely store and use their credentials on an iPhone or Apple Watch.
The new feature gives Arkansans the ability to present their identification at participating businesses and venues, at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints in more than 250 airports, and online or within apps when age or identity verification is required.
The launch builds on Arkansas’ ongoing efforts to expand digital identification options. In March 2025, the state introduced the Arkansas Mobile ID app, and officials say adding IDs to Apple Wallet offers residents another secure and convenient way to access their credentials.
“We’re proud to build on our partnership with the Arkansas DFA’s Division of Driver Services and Motor Vehicles, expanding on the launch of the Arkansas Mobile ID app in March 2025. The launch of ID in Apple Wallet in the state provides Arkansas residents a new, secure way to store and present their digital credentials, with transparency and control over how their information is shared at the forefront,” said Rob Gardner, CEO, IDEMIA Civil Identity.
To add an Arkansas driver’s license or state ID to Apple Wallet, users can tap the plus sign at the top of the Wallet app on their iPhone, select “Driver’s License or State ID,” and follow the verification process.
Officials say privacy and security were central considerations in the rollout. Information stored in Apple Wallet is encrypted on a user’s device, and users control when and how their information is shared. When presenting an ID, only the information necessary to verify age or identity is provided.
Apple and the Arkansas Division of Driver Services and Motor Vehicles also do not receive information about when or where residents use their digital IDs.
The technology is also designed to make verification easier for businesses. Participating businesses can use IDEMIA’s Mobile ID Verify app to accept and verify mobile IDs directly from an iPhone without requiring customers to hand over their devices or use additional hardware.
The launch marks another step toward broader adoption of digital credentials in Arkansas, giving residents a secure alternative to carrying a physical driver’s license or state ID while maintaining control over their personal information.
For information on the launch of IDs in Apple Wallet in Arkansas, click here.
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