Arkansas Tech University
You must add a |reason= parameter to this Cleanup template – replace it with {{Cleanup|January 2006|reason=<Fill reason here>}}, or remove the Cleanup template.
 | This article or section is in a state of significant expansion or restructuring. You are welcome to assist in its construction by editing it as well. If this article or section has not been edited in several days, please remove this template. If you are the editor who added this template and you are actively editing, please be sure to replace this template with {{in use}} during the active editing session. Click on the link for template parameters to use.
This article was last edited by Anoncow (talk | contribs) 18 years ago. (Update timer) |
| Seal of Arkansas Tech University | |
| Type | Public University |
|---|---|
| Established | 1909 |
| President | Dr. Robert C. Brown |
| Location | , , |
| Campus | Rural |
| Mascot | Wonder Boys (men) / Golden Suns (women) |
| Website | www.atu.edu |
Arkansas Tech University is a mid sized, state supported collegiate institution located in Russellville, Arkansas. The university offers programs at both baccalaureate and graduate levels in a range of fields. As of 2004, the University also operates a small satellite campus in Ozark, Arkansas. This campus primarly focuses on lower-level (Associates and Certificate) level education.
History
Early History (1909-1976)
The Second District Agricultural School was created by Act 100 of 1909 of the Arkansas General Assembly It was decided on Feburary 10, 1910 to located the school in Russellville. On October 26, 1910, the first classes were held in Russellville. The original purpose of the school was to offer classes leading to a high school degree. Later on, the school took on the first two years of college instruction, and the school's name was changed to Arkansas Polytechnic College by the General Assembly in 1925 to reflect this change in purpose. At this time, the course work leading to a high school diploma was phased out and in 1931, Tech formally only offered courses leading to a college degree.
Recent History (1976-Present)
The school took on it's current name of Arkansas Tech University on July 9, 1976. During this time frame, what is considered the most well-known person to ever attend Arkansas Tech, Elizabeth Ward, attended the university for a short time from 1980 until she was named Miss America.
In the fall of 2003, Arkansas Tech University announced it intended to overtake the state vocational school, Arkansas Valley Technical Institute, in Ozark, Arkansas. As of July 1, 2004, the Ozark campus has acted as a satellite campus of Arkansas Tech, and has begun offering coursework leading toward an Associate of Science degree in various subjects.
Enrollment
Enrollment has grown 36% since 1998. Thirty-five states and 32 foreign countries are represented in the student body. Almost 10% of Tech's incoming freshmen class graduated #1 or #2 in their high school class. Over 25% of Tech's students graduated in the top 10% of their high school class. The average ACT score of 2003-04 incoming freshmen was 22. [1]
Academic Programs & Faculty
- 25 new undergraduate and graduate programs added since 1997
- 10 of the 12 academic areas eligible for national accreditation have been accredited and the remaining are in process. Once this occurs, Tech will be the ONLY university in the state to have all eligible programs accredited.
- One of only two ABET accredited Mechanical & Electrical Engineering programs in Arkansas.
- One of only three Emergency Administration & Management programs in the United States.
- Over 300 faculty members -- 45% tenured and over 68% hold their doctorate or the highest degree awarded in the discipline. [2]
Physical Facilities & Technology
- Over $85 million invested since 1995 in construction, renovation & instructional equipment
- New buildings since 1997 include:
- Ross Pendergraft Library & Technology Center
- Doc Bryan Student Services Center
- Hull Physical Education Addition
- McEver Science Addition
- University Commons Apartments
- Summit Residence Hall
- Williamson Hall Addition
- Paine Hall
- The ratio of available computer workstations to students is more favorable than at any other university in Arkansas or in our region. [3]
Facilities on National Register of Historic Places
Several Tech buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[4]
- Art Building -- Academic building, due for retirement in 2007
- Caraway Hall -- Residence Hall, renovated in 2005
- Hughes Hall -- used by the University Physical Plant for operations
- Techoniary -- Academic building
- Williamson Hall -- Academic building, renovated in 2003 to include kitchen facilties
- Wilson Hall -- Residence Hall (as of 2006). Under ongoing renovation work.
Athletics
Currently, Arkansas Tech participates in NCAA Division II athletics as a member of the Gulf South Conference.
Sports Offered
Mascots
Arkansas Tech University is well known for the interesting mascots that it uses. The history of the Wonder Boy is that in 1919, the University played what is now Arkansas State University, who claimed to hold a mythical state football title and were heavily favored in the game. However, Tech won the game on the shoulders of John Tucker, a student at Tech at the time, who returned two punts for touchdowns and kicked two point after touchdowns. The sportswriter for the Arkansas Gazette at the time refered to the team as "a bunch of Wonder Boys". [5]
External links
- University Home
- Academic Affairs
- Instiutional Research (University data and statistics)
- Student Services
- Alumni Services
- Athletics
- The Arka Tech (student led paper)
- KXRJ (student led radio)
References
- Walker, Kenneth R. 'History of Arkansas Tech University 1909-1990', Arkansas Tech University, 1993.