Arkansas Tech University Welcomes Hometown Hero as New President
Get ready to yell “Woo Pig” with a side of “Go Wonder Boys!” because Arkansas Tech University (ATU) just welcomed back one of its own. Dr. Russell Jones, a Marianna native, is officially at the helm as ATU’s thirteenth president. Talk about a homecoming!
A Historic Election
The ATU Board of Trustees made the big announcement on June twentieth, two thousand twenty-four, at a location near and dear to every college student’s heart—the Chambers Cafeteria West Dining Room. Maybe they were celebrating with some killer cafeteria pizza? Who knows! What we do know is that this election marks a special moment for ATU. It’s the first time since Dr. Kenneth Kersh way back in nineteen seventy-three that an Arkansas native has snagged the top job. Jones’s term officially kicked off on July first, two thousand twenty-four, and folks are already buzzing with excitement.
Jones’s Vision: Shining a Light on ATU’s Awesomeness
You know what they say—it’s not bragging if it’s true. And when it comes to ATU, Jones is ready to let the world know just how awesome this university really is. He’s super stoked about the positive vibes from both the faculty and staff surveys, seeing their confidence as a major green light to lead ATU into a bright future. Jones truly believes that ATU is a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered, and he’s ready to shout it from the rooftops (or, you know, at least from the university website and those fancy college ranking publications).
Hitting the Ground Running: Jones’s Achievements as Interim President
Jones isn’t exactly coming in cold turkey. This guy knows the ropes! He’s been holding down the fort as interim president since August seventeenth, two thousand twenty-three, and let’s just say he didn’t treat it like a vacation. Jones dove headfirst into tackling some major things. We’re talkin’ academic leadership, student life, enrollment numbers – you name it, he’s been workin’ on it.
Stabilizing the Academic Ship
First things first, Jones knew that a university is only as strong as its academic core. So, he got right to work, hiring a permanent executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. And if that wasn’t enough, he also appointed permanent leadership for four ATU colleges that had been rockin’ the interim dean life for a bit too long. Talk about adulting at its finest– Jones clearly means business!
Giving Student Life a Major Upgrade
Jones gets it—college isn’t just about hitting the books. He’s all about that sweet, sweet student life and collaborated with student leaders to finalize the design and features of the upcoming Ferguson Student Union. This place is gonna be the bee’s knees, y’all! Picture this: a central hub for all things fun, social, and delicious. It’s going to be the heart and soul of campus life, and it wouldn’t be happening without Jones’s dedication to the student experience.
Enrollment and Retention: Turning the Tide
Like a boss, Jones reversed a downward trend in enrollment. Fall two thousand twenty-three saw the first increase in student headcount since two thousand eighteen. But he didn’t stop there. Jones also managed to make some serious improvements in both first-semester and fall-to-fall retention rates on both the Russellville and Ozark campuses. Students are vibing with ATU, and it shows.
Investing in ATU’s Future: Infrastructure and Facility Upgrades
Let’s face it, nobody wants to study in a crumbling building that smells like mothballs. Jones knows that a top-notch university needs top-notch facilities. That’s why he’s committed a whopping fifteen point five million dollars toward facility and equipment upgrades. And the best part? He’s prioritizing student-centric improvements. Say goodbye to those dingy old study halls and hello to modern, inspiring spaces where students can actually, like, focus. Plus, he oversaw the demolition of Tomlinson Hall and the Administration Building, freeing up approximately seven million dollars that would have gone to renovations. Think of it this way: out with the old and in with the new (and way cooler)!
Fundraising Like a Rockstar: The “Together, We Can” Campaign
Jones didn’t just wish upon a star for these awesome upgrades, he went out and made it rain…donations, that is! Under his leadership, the “Together, We Can” comprehensive campaign reached its grand finale, raking in a cool fifty-five million dollars. That’s right, you heard it here first—fifty-five MILLION! This money will be put to good use, supporting scholarships, student programs, innovation initiatives, and–you guessed it–the fabulous Ferguson Student Union. Someone get this man a fundraising trophy ASAP!
Scholarships That Don’t Break the Bank: A New Era of Financial Aid
Let’s be real, college is expensive AF. Jones understands the struggle is real, which is why he developed and implemented a brand-spanking-new scholarship framework. This new system ensures that deserving students get the financial assistance they need without, you know, bankrupting the university. It’s all about finding that perfect balance between supporting students’ dreams and being financially responsible. Way to go, Jones, for making education more accessible without breaking the bank!
Praise from the Top: The Board Sings Jones’s Praises
It’s not just the students and faculty who are stoked about Jones’s leadership. Len Cotton, the big cheese himself (aka ATU Board of Trustees Chairman) had some seriously glowing things to say about Jones’s business savvy, awesome personality, and impressive intellect. Cotton pointed to the amazing progress ATU has made under Jones’s interim leadership and expressed his pure excitement for the future of the university. It’s like everyone’s on board the Jones train, and it’s heading straight to Successville!
From Professor to President: A Look at Jones’s Impressive Journey
Okay, so we know Jones is killing it as president, but where did this rockstar come from? Well, hold on to your hats, because this guy’s resume is about to blow you away! Jones’s journey with ATU began back in July two thousand twenty when he joined as Dean of the College of Business, which has since been renamed the ATU College of Business and Economic Development (snazzy, right?). But it doesn’t stop there. Jones is also a bona fide Professor of Accounting at ATU. Talk about a double threat!
Education: This Guy Loves to Learn!
Jones’s dedication to education is seriously impressive. He earned a Bachelor of Science in engineering technology and a Master of Science in information systems from Arkansas State University. But he wasn’t done yet! Jones then went on to receive his Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Texas at Arlington, with a dual major in accounting and information systems. Yeah, you read that right—a DUAL major! This guy’s thirst for knowledge is unquenchable.
A Career Path Paved with Success
Before gracing ATU with his presence, Jones made quite a name for himself at Arkansas State University. He held a variety of roles, including:
- Kathy White Endowed Professor of Management Information Systems (two thousand six – two thousand twenty)
- Chair of Accounting and Information Technology (two thousand fifteen – two thousand eighteen)
- Master of Business Administration Director (two thousand nine – two thousand twelve)
- Associate Professor of Decision Sciences (nineteen ninety-five – two thousand five)
- Assistant Professor of Computer Information Systems (nineteen eighty-nine – nineteen ninety-five)
And if that wasn’t enough, Jones also gained some sweet international experience as a visiting professor at the University of Caen in France and the University of Otago in New Zealand. This guy is basically the academic version of Indiana Jones, traveling the world and spreading his knowledge.