Arkansas Tech University freshmen began their orientation on their new campus on Sunday, August 18, with a welcome from ATU President Dr. Russell Jones.

“I know you’re probably feeling a lot of different emotions right now,” Jones said during an address to ATU freshmen in John E. Tucker Coliseum. “Some of you are excited. Some of you are nervous. Some of you are probably tired of moving into your dorm. But let me tell you… you have all these people around you supporting you. You have all of your faculty members supporting you. One thing you’ll find at Arkansas Tech is that everyone wants you to succeed. We’re a community where everyone cares about everyone. Each of you is different and has different needs. We’re here to help you find your way.”

Arkansas Tech kicked off its 2024-25 academic year on Saturday, August 17, with move-in day into the dorms and the start of ATU Welcome Week activities. Official orientation for freshmen began on Sunday, August 18.

The first day of classes for the fall semester of 2024 is Wednesday, August 21.

“You need to be active in everything we have to offer at Arkansas Tech,” Jones said. “We give you the full college experience. There’s a lot more to it than just going to class and getting good grades. This is the best time of your life. There’s so much you can get involved in and be a part of. You’ll be glad you choose to be active.”

Jones extended a special welcome to the first-year students who will begin their first studies at Arkansas Tech this fall.

“It’s been a few years now, but I was also the first college student in my family,” Jones said. “I chose college because I saw it as an opportunity to rise above the circumstances around me. I knew college would open new doors for me, allow me to visit new places, and expand my horizons beyond what I had previously expected.”

For more information about Arkansas Tech, visit www.atu.edu.