Megan Bell

This document outlines the initiation of a new strategic planning process for Arkansas Tech University, which commenced in Fall 2024. It details the approval of new mission and vision statements by the ATU Board of Trustees on December 19, 2024, which are intended to guide the development of strategic goals during the Spring 2025 semester. The mission emphasizes student success, social mobility, and providing life-changing educational opportunities, while the vision focuses on empowering students through high-quality education for personal and professional success.

The Arkansas Tech University Board of Trustees meeting included a special presentation by the Student Government Association (SGA) President, who discussed initiatives aimed at strengthening connections among students, faculty, staff, and the local community. The board approved on-call architectural services, the release of requests for proposals for Job Order Contracting (JOC) general contracting and skilled trade services, and the sale of properties. They also reviewed the Financial Performance Report, which indicated positive financial trends for the institution. Additionally, the board approved curriculum revisions, new program proposals, and the deletion of a program. Updates were made to the Post Tenure Review Policy and Faculty Handbook, and the ATU Student Disability Access Policy and Office of Veteran Services Policy were approved. The board also approved facility rental rates for the Russellville campus and the removal of the Medical Assisting program. A revision to the presidential evaluation policy was also approved. The meeting also covered health insurance benefits, reaccreditation of registered nursing, annual security reports, and reports from the Faculty and Staff Senates. The President's Report highlighted increased student engagement, enrollment, and retention rates.

The Arkansas Tech University Board of Trustees meeting included a special presentation on the 2025 legislative session and its impact on higher education, focusing on the ACCESS Act and other relevant legislation. The board discussed and approved the financial performance report, selection of an architectural firm for the Ozark Workforce Training Center, on-call architectural services, athletics certification, general auxiliary and E&G MOFs, official functions policy updates, and reserve transfer authorization. Academic affairs included program deletions and granting emeritus status. Student affairs covered parking regulations and revisions to the admissions policy. Ozark Campus items included admissions policy revisions, a new certificate of proficiency for transportation management, changes to the logistics management certificate, faculty handbook changes, and removal of the culinary arts certificate. The strategic plan's five focus areas were also approved. The board also received information on the Ozark Automotive Service Technology Partnership, re-accreditation of Collision Repair Technology, the establishment of a Campus Council, and the program probation status of the Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management program. The President's report highlighted student achievements, community engagement, and a review of the 2022-2025 strategic plan.

The board meeting covered various topics including financial reports, fund balance requests for technology upgrades and building renovations, approval of certificates of proficiency and graduate certificates, a health and wellness fund balance transfer request, and budget requests for the Arkansas Tech Career Center. Discussions also included updates on the Pope County Emergency Medical Services building proposal, AGB consultant progress on two-way communication procedures, the fifth-year strategic plan, and the president's report which covered recent reviews, COVID-19 cases, homecoming events, and upcoming proposals. Personnel matters, including resignations, new appointments, and terminations, were also addressed in an executive session.

The board meeting covered a wide range of topics, including financial statements, athletic transfers, architect selection for a public safety building, and repairs to Witherspoon Auditorium. Discussions also included the purchase of adjacent property, a request to trade a provisional position, updates to standing committees (Adjunct Support, Athletics, and a new Institutional Biosafety Committee), approval of letters of intent for new degree programs (B.A. in Game and Interactive Media Design and B.S. in Environmental Science), and an updated dining proposal for the Lake Point Conference Center. Changes to the frequency of board meetings and the presidential evaluation policy were also approved. Finally, the meeting included the approval of parking regulations for both the main and Ozark campuses, updates to the student handbook, and various personnel matters, including appointments, salary adjustments, and resignations across multiple departments.