Jessie Hernandez looks back on his time at Arkansas Tech University (ATU) with fond memories. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, focusing on management. At the fall 2025 commencement, ATU awarded about 1,100 degrees.
“ATU opened many doors for me,” said Hernandez. He traveled to New York City twice, joining the band for a Carnegie Hall trip and attending the Wall Street Experience through the ATU LeMoyne Smith School of Business. “Being part of different organizations helped me build leadership skills and enhance my resume.”
Hernandez, originally from Berryville, started at ATU as a high school band camper. He joined the marching band and later continued with the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, even after switching to a business major. He took on leadership roles in Tau Beta Sigma and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
Hernandez credits his success to supportive faculty and family. “Get involved and make the most of your time,” he advises new students. “What you put in is what you get out.”
Ashley Muller, also a December 2025 graduate, shares similar sentiments. From Cabot, she earned dual degrees in accounting and management. Muller was president of the ATU Accounting Club and a member of Delta Zeta sorority. Her favorite memories include the club’s Christmas party and time spent with friends.
“I chose ATU because it felt like home,” she explained. “I built great relationships with professors and friends, which will be valuable in my future career.” Muller will start her job with HCJ CPAs and Advisors in January. “Graduating feels surreal,” she said. “I’m excited for what lies ahead.”
Brock Gottsponer from Morrilton earned his degree in Electrical Engineering. “ATU has a strong engineering program, which drew me in,” he said. He participated in Alpha Tau Omega and led volunteering efforts with organizations like Habitat for Humanity. “Seeing how our work impacts the community is fulfilling.”
Skylar Clark, a graduate from the ATU-Ozark Campus, pursued a challenging program to become an occupational therapy assistant. “It pushed me to my limits, but it was worth it,” she shared. Her motivation came from her two sons, Flint and Knox. “This degree means security for my family and the chance to be a role model.”
These graduates exemplify the diverse experiences and successes at ATU. Their stories highlight how involvement and community can shape a valuable college experience. Whether through academic achievements or personal growth, they show that college is more than just classes—it’s about building connections and finding purpose.
For more insights on university experiences and graduation trends, you can explore resources like [The National Center for Education Statistics](https://nces.ed.gov/) or [Pew Research Center](https://www.pewresearch.org/) for recent studies and statistics.
