In advance of day one of the 2026-27 academic year, the Arkansas Tech University Office of University Relations asked a few ATU faculty members to respond to a simple question: what is your wish for your students in 2026-27?
These are their responses
“My wish/goal for my students is to grow their confidence in themselves as a person and as a professional. Students are entering the workforce and aren’t always feeling prepared. I want my students to feel confident that they are prepared and ready for the working world.” — Cathryn Bass, instructor of health and physical education
“My wish for our students is that they embrace the challenges and opportunities the university community provides. I hope that they find inspiration in the new and the ‘uncomfortable’ as they learn how powerful and capable they are and can be. I hope that they engage with each other, faculty, staff…and connect to the incredible legacies of alumni and storied history of this special place.” — Dr. Daniel A. Belongia, professor of music and director of bands
“I hope that students take the opportunities to blossom intellectually, to confront difficult content, work their way through the other side of such material and realize that they can do the hard work necessary to succeed, here at the university and in their careers. I wish for them to find friends, so they can share their achievements and their failure, recognizing that failure is frequently the door to wisdom and to success. I desire that they become embedded in the community through service, helping those less fortunate than they, who need the students’ helping hands in lifting up those who have fallen.” — Dr. Jeffrey Cass, dean, ATU College of Arts and Humanities
“My wish for my students this year is that they grow not only academically, but also personally. I hope they find ways to challenge themselves and accomplish things they did not know they were capable of. I hope they give themselves grace when things get hard and celebrate every victory, both big and small. I want them to look back on this year with pride and gratitude for the opportunities they found to succeed here at ATU.” — Dr. Karmen Goodner, assistant professor of nursing
“My hope is that our students, especially our new freshmen, stick with it. College is an amazing experience, and it starts on such a high note with the fun of welcome week and orientation. But at some point this year, you will face challenges with assignments, exams or even roommates. How you react to those moments is what matters. It sounds cheesy, but making it through your first year of college away from home will help you grow more as a person.” — Dr. Patrick Hagge, professor of geography
“I wish for peace, prosperity and good health for our students and their families.” — Dr. Newton Hilliard, professor of chemistry
“My wish for my students in 2026–27 is to keep working to discover their potential, build their confidence and to work toward their goals with grit. I wish them to learn not just to pass exams, but to make a real difference in this world. As future teachers, leaders and innovators, I wish them to be able to think critically and stay curious. Most of all, I wish them to know that their voice and actions matter, and they can change lives every day.” — Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim, professor of curriculum and instruction
“My wishes for our students: new friendships, experiences and opportunities. I hope they will discover new things about themselves. I look forward to watching them cultivate and embrace their growth.” — Dr. Kelly Houston Jones, associate professor of history
“My wish for my students in 2026-27 is that they have a successful, rewarding and enjoyable year filled with meaningful learning experiences. I hope they gain the knowledge, skills and hands-on experiences needed to succeed both academically and professionally. Beyond the classroom, I hope they develop a genuine excitement and passion for their chosen field of study, remain curious and embrace opportunities for growth. Most importantly, I hope they leave the year more confident in their abilities and inspired to continue pursuing their goals and making a positive impact in their profession and community.” — Dr. Chris Kellner, professor of wildlife science
“Class is just one part,Step outside, make lifelong friends,Enjoy campus life!” — Dr. Masanori Kuroki, professor of economics
“My sincere wish for every student is that this academic year brings you growth, confidence and many opportunities to discover what you are capable of. May you approach each challenge with grace, meet every obstacle with determination and give yourself patience as you learn and grow. Remember that success is not about being perfect, but about giving your best, learning from each experience and continuing to move forward. Heck Yeah! Tech Yeah!” — Dr. Terri McKown, professor of nursing
“My wish for all students for the 2026-27 academic year is an amazing academic year filled with success, growth, confidence, fun and new opportunities. May this year bring you new opportunities to learn, grow personally and professionally, discover your strengths and build lasting friendships and relationships. Embrace the daily challenges and allow them to assist you with becoming stronger and wiser. Never be afraid to ask questions or try something new. Step out of your comfort zone! Enjoy all that Arkansas Tech University has to offer… have fun, make new friends, study hard and have a successful new academic year. Wishing you the BEST!” — Dr. Cathi McMahan, head, ATU Department of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Science
“My wish for our students is that they see this year as an opportunity to take ownership of what comes next—to seize the opportunities in front of them, challenge themselves and begin building the future they want.” — Dr. Julie Mikles-Schluterman, professor of sociology and director of the ATU Center for Community Engagement and Academic Outreach
“This year, I hope that all of my students will be inspired by life on campus and a great introduction into what life as a musician is all about. I want them to believe in themselves and to know that they have amazing faculty to rely on.” — Dr. Sean Reed, professor of music
“That ATU provide our students unique educational experiences that do not typically occur outside of college, whether that be an internship, a study away or study abroad program, research with a faculty mentor, service learning opportunity in the community, attending an art or music or theatrical event, etc.” — Dr. Michael Rogers, professor of political science
“My wish for the 2026-27 academic year is that students have a successful semester and make lots of great connections at ATU. I hope that students will not only develop connections with fellow students/classmates, but also with the faculty and staff here at ATU. The faculty and staff want to make sure students have a great learning experience, and we are here to help! Best of luck for a successful and enjoyable 2026-27 academic year!” — Dr. Rob Stevens, associate professor of rehabilitation science and counseling
“My wish for our students this year is that they find their place at Arkansas Tech University and recognize just how much potential exists within them. I first came to Tech in 2005 as a college student and student-athlete, and over the years, this university has continued to shape my life as I have served as a graduate assistant, adjunct, staff member and now full-time faculty member since 2020. I hope our students embrace opportunities, build meaningful relationships, take chances and allow themselves to grow, even when that growth feels uncomfortable. Most of all, I hope they leave this academic year more confident in who they are, what they can do and the positive difference they can make in the world.” — Dr. Dana Tribble, associate professor of student affairs administration
“My wish is that every ATU student gets challenged this semester and that they never doubt their ability to rise to it. When it gets hard, I hope they remember that is where growth happens. I can’t wait to celebrate all of their successes.” — Dr. Jason Warnick, professor of psychology
