Arkansas Tech Celebrates Record Freshman Enrollment, New Union
URGENT UPDATE: Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, Arkansas, has kicked off its 2025 school year with a surge in excitement, marking one of the largest freshman classes since the COVID-19 pandemic. The campus is buzzing as students settle into their classrooms and prepare for the semester ahead.
New reports confirm a remarkable 12% increase in freshman enrollment compared to last year, reflecting a renewed spirit among students eager to engage with campus life. “I think, financially, it’s one of the best options in the state,” said Chasey, a junior at Arkansas Tech. “Second, it feels like home.”
As the new academic year gets underway, Arkansas Tech also celebrated a record retention rate for first-year students, a significant achievement for Arkansas colleges. President Russell Jones announced that the retention rate from freshmen to sophomore has reached 75%, the highest in the university’s history, while the fall-to-spring retention for the freshman class stands at 84%.
“We have a saying here: an engaged student is a retained student, and a retained student is a graduated student,” said President Jones.
In addition to impressive enrollment figures, the university is set to unveil its new Ferguson Student Union, a significant upgrade aimed at enhancing student life. “This will give them a sense of home for that fitness and well-being side of their life, but also it’s the living room of campus,” explained Chelsea Neal, associate dean of Campus Life and Student Union.
Spanning over 70,000 square feet, the Ferguson Student Union will feature meeting and lounge spaces, a recreation center, basketball courts, fitness rooms, and a turf field. Construction is expected to be completed by March 2026, promising to further enrich the student experience.
Students have noted a significant shift in campus atmosphere. “Students are finally ready to branch out,” Chasey remarked, highlighting that many peers who were hesitant during the pandemic are now eager to connect and engage.
The developments at Arkansas Tech University are not just about numbers; they symbolize a resurgence of community and connection among students. With ongoing improvements and a vibrant campus life, Arkansas Tech is poised to make a lasting impact on its students and the broader community.
As the semester progresses, all eyes will be on Arkansas Tech to see how these changes influence student engagement and academic success. Stay tuned for further updates on this dynamic university.
