Russell Jones

Russell Jones has transitioned from an accomplished academic leader to the President of Arkansas Tech University, overseeing significant institutional growth and development. After being elected the 13th president of Arkansas Tech University on June 20, 2024, Russell Jones officially assumed the leadership role on July 1, 2024, marking him as the first leader of the university since 1973 to have advanced through an extensive career within the state’s higher education system. His appointment followed an impactful tenure as interim president from August 17, 2023. During this period, Jones spearheaded a stabilization of the institution’s academic framework through strategic appointments of new leadership in critical administrative and collegiate roles.

He also collaborated with student leaders on the design of the Ferguson Student Union, a significant new central hub for campus life at ATU. Under Jones’ interim leadership, Arkansas Tech University achieved substantial growth for the 2023-24 academic year. Fall 2023 enrollment reached 9,487 students, representing the first increase for the university since 2018. Retention rates also saw remarkable improvement, with first-semester retention on the Russellville campus rising to 86.8 percent and fall-to-fall retention reaching 70.5 percent, both being the highest figures recorded since 2018 and 2017 respectively.

His international academic engagements include visiting professorships at the University of Caen in France and the University of Otago in New Zealand. Looking ahead, Jones has been selected for Leadership Arkansas Class XIX for the 2024-25 term, continuing his impact on regional leadership development.