Arkansas Tech University
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Arkansas Tech University |
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| Established | 1909 |
| Type | Public University |
| President | Dr. Robert C. Brown |
| Students | 7,038 |
| Location | Russellville, Arkansas, United States |
| 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 the town of Ozark, Arkansas. This campus primarily focuses on lower-level (Associates and Certificate) level education.
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[edit] History
[edit] 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 February 10, 1910 to found 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.
[edit] Recent History (1976-Present)
The school took on its 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.
[edit] Alma Mater
Alma Mater, Alma Mater,
May we lift our eyes to thee.
May thy glory and thy honor
Be fore'er our destiny.
May the colors Green and Gold
Our loyal hearts fore'er enthrall,
And thy mem'ry live forever,
In the hearts of us all.
[edit] 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] The latest numbers from the 2006 fall semester show that Arkansas Tech accepted only 48% of its applicants, making it the most selective public institution in the state of Arkansas for the second consecutive year.
[edit] 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 Arkansas 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]
[edit] Physical Facilities & Technology
- Over $85 million invested since 1995 in construction, renovation & instructional equipment
- New buildings and notable renovation projects since 1997 include: [3]
- 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
- Norman Hall Art Building
- Buerkle Field expansion/New Housing Construction
- Women's Sports Complex
- The ratio of available computer workstations to students is more favorable than at any other university in Arkansas or in our region. [4]
[edit] Facilities on National Register of Historic Places
Several Tech buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[5]
- Art Building -- Academic building, due for retirement in 2007
- Caraway Hall -- Residence Hall, renovated in 2005. Named after Arkansas Senator Hattie Caraway.
- Hughes Hall -- used by the University Physical Plant for operations
- Techoniary -- Academic building
- Williamson Hall -- Academic building, renovated in 2003 to include kitchen facilities
- Wilson Hall -- Residence Hall (as of 2006). Under ongoing renovation work.
[edit] Athletics
Currently, Arkansas Tech participates in NCAA Division II athletics as a member of the Gulf South Conference.
[edit] Sports Offered
[edit] Mascots
Arkansas Tech University has dual team mascots: Men's athletic teams are called the Wonder Boys, while the women's teams are called the Golden Suns.
In 1919, Arkansas Tech's football team played what is now Arkansas State University, which claimed to hold a mythical state football title and were heavily favored to win 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 extra points. The sportswriter for the Arkansas Gazette referred to the team as "a bunch of Wonder Boys." Tech's men's athletic teams have been known as the Wonder Boys ever since, and Tucker was labeled as "The Original Wonder Boy." [6]
Tired of being referred to as the "Wonderettes," the female athletes of Arkansas Tech held a contest in the spring of 1975 to determine what their new mascot would be. Several names were nominated, including the Sugar Bears, but in the end, the athletes selected Golden Suns as their new mascot.[7]
[edit] Fight Song
Fight on, Arkansas Tech,
Fight on to victory!
Break through to run up the score,
Conference Champions once more!
Fight! Fight! Fight!
We'll back you all the way,
Cheering for triumph always!
Go! Fight! Green and Gold,
Wonder Boys, You're Number One!!!
[edit] 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)
[edit] References
- Walker, Kenneth R. 'History of Arkansas Tech University 1909-1990', Arkansas Tech University, 1993.
| Gulf South Conference |
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| Western Division: Arkansas Monticello • Arkansas Tech • Christian Brothers • Delta State • Harding • Henderson State • Ouachita Baptist • Southern Arkansas Eastern Division: Alabama Huntsville • Montevallo • North Alabama • Valdosta State • West Alabama • West Florida • West Georgia |
