ATU: Higher Education & Student Affairs Graduate Program

05/08/2026

🎓 HESA Graduate Spotlight: Shannon Hilmes

We’re proud to celebrate our graduates and the impact they’re making in higher education and student success!

👤 Name: Shannon Hilmes
🏫 Employer: University of Missouri–St. Louis
📚 Role: Academic Advisor, University Advising Center

💡 How did the HESA program prepare you?
“My master's degree gave me a solid foundation theoretically and practically for entering the world of student affairs. I was exposed to a wide variety of competency areas, theoretical foundations, and practical strategies for working with college students. I understand the heritage and historical trends of student affairs and the issues that are impacting colleges today.”

💬 Favorite part of the experience?
“I think the most enjoyable part of my master's degree experience was working closely with the same faculty and cohort of students over two years. Even though I completed this program as a fully online student from a distance, I was able to maintain a sense of familiarity with my peers.”

✨ We’re so proud of you, Shannon, and excited to see the difference you’ll continue to make in the lives of students!

05/08/2026

🎓 HESA Graduate Spotlight: Braden Jones

We’re proud to celebrate our graduates and the impact they’re making in higher education and student success!

👤 Name: Braden Jones
🏫 Employer: Arkansas Tech University
📚 Role: Associate Director for Recruitment

💡 How did the HESA program prepare you?
“The experiences I have gained through my time in the HESA program have been invaluable to my career. Student development theory, counseling and helping skills, and assessment have been the foundation of my success.”

💬 Favorite part of the experience?
“I most enjoyed getting to create strong relationships with the faculty, staff, and students that will last long after graduation. Dr. Tribble has become a mentor and friend that I will always cherish.”

✨ We’re so proud of you, Braden, and excited to see the continued impact you’ll make in higher education and student recruitment!

05/08/2026

🎓 HESA Graduate Spotlight: Katelynn Hardage

We’re proud to celebrate our graduates and the impact they’re making in education and student development!

👤 Name: Katelynn Hardage
🏫 Employer: National Park College
📚 Role: Talent Search Curriculum Coordinator

💡 How did the HESA program prepare you?
“The HESA program helped me in my position in so many ways. The biggest way was by teaching me about Student Development Theories. With working with junior high and high school students, I am able to determine what stage of their development they are in and help them work through that stage into the next stage.”

💬 Favorite part of the experience?
“Honestly, I enjoyed everything about this program. I felt that all of the classes and assignments were helpful in understanding students better. I now have a lot of resources to look back on when I need to. I feel that anyone thinking about higher education as a career needs to go through this program.”

✨ We’re so proud of you, Katelynn, and excited to see the impact you’re making in the lives of students!

05/07/2026

🎓 HESA Graduate Spotlight: Allicen Fight

We’re proud to celebrate our graduates and the impact they’re making in education and student development!

👤 Name: Allicen Fight
🏫 Employer: Van Buren Freshman Academy
📚 Role: English Teacher

💡 How did the HESA program prepare you?
“My MS in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration prepared me for the field by giving me hands-on experience and strengthening my leadership and communication skills. The program helped me better understand student development, advising, and student support services. Overall, it gave me the confidence and skills needed to work effectively with college students!”

💬 Favorite part of the experience?
“What I enjoyed most about my master’s degree experience was the opportunity to connect classroom learning to real-world experiences in higher education. I also enjoyed building relationships with professors, classmates, and professionals in the field while growing both personally and professionally!”

✨ We’re so proud of you, Allicen, and excited to see the difference you’re making in the lives of students!

05/06/2026

Come cheer on our GA, Joe Kinneberg, and the ATU baseball team!

RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – The Arkansas Tech baseball team entered the 2026 Great American Conference Tournament this past weekend as the No. 2-seed and swept through bracket 2 to earn them hosting rights for the best-of-three series that will crown the tournament champion this weekend.

05/06/2026

Congrats to HESA Student, Avery Sanders, and the ATU softball team!

WEATHERFORD, Okla. – The Arkansas Tech softball team captured their third Great American Conference Regular Season Championship and first out-right title since 2016 as they beat Southwestern Oklahoma, 3-1, on the final day of the regular season to complete a three-game sweep.

05/06/2026

🎓 HESA Graduate Spotlight: Madison Bunch

We’re proud to celebrate our graduates and the impact they’re making in higher education!

👤 Name: Madison Bunch
🏫 Employer: Ball State University
🏈 Role: Assistant Football Coach

💡 How did the HESA program prepare you?
“Learning how to lead and develop students to succeed in higher education.”

💬 Favorite part of the experience?
“The discussion boards—they allowed me to gather thoughts and ideas from others in the program.”

✨ We’re so proud of you, Madison, and excited to see your continued impact on student-athletes!

05/06/2026

We are excited for graduation this Friday!

Arkansas Tech University will confer approximately 1,970 degrees and credentials upon graduates during spring 2026 commencement ceremonies May 8-9 at John E. Tucker Coliseum in Russellville. The weekend will begin with a 6:30 p.m. ceremony on Friday, May 8. It will honor graduates from the ATU Colle...

05/06/2026

🎓 HESA Graduate Spotlight: Jymme Ann Moore

We’re proud to celebrate our graduates and the impact they’re making in higher education!

👤 Name: Jymme Ann Moore
🏫 Employer: Arkansas Tech University
🏡 Role: Assistant Director for Residence Life

💡 How did the HESA program prepare you?
“It prepared me by helping me understand everything that happens behind the scenes. I gained clarity on the ‘why’ behind so many of the decisions and practices in this field.”

💬 Favorite part of the experience?
“Learning new things!”

✨ We’re so proud of you, Jymme, and can’t wait to see your continued impact!

05/05/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Lynnlee Mitchell!

We are proud to celebrate Lynnlee Mitchell for receiving the Graduate Student Achievement Award at Arkansas Tech University!

This recognition reflects her hard work, leadership, and commitment to student success, both in and out of the classroom. Lynnlee has made a meaningful impact on our program and the students she serves, and we couldn’t be prouder.

👏 Join us in celebrating this well-deserved honor!

🔗 Read more here: https://www.arkansastechnews.com/atu-graduate-college-honors-students-faculty/

Photographed (from left-to-right): Aleshia Maxwell, Lynnlee Mitchell and Md Shaba Sayeed. The Arkansas Tech University Graduate College recognized its top-performing students during the 2025-26 academic year and the faculty members who enriched their experience during an end of year awards reception...