Thirteen first-year students at Arkansas Tech University participated in the ATU Freshman Leadership Experience at the beginning of the fall 2025 semester.
ATU freshmen Khiana Allred, Andrea Elided Guerrero, Joanne Hunter, Pablo Ivan Moreno, Briley Ann Parker, Jenny Dakota Shank, Natalie Marie Spadoni, Cole Triplett, Carter Whiley, Trace Wiley, Braeden Woodard, Claire Woods and Kassidy Young visited the 4-H Center in Little Rock. They participated in a zipline, canoeing, high ropes, low ropes and more.
“FLE was a very fun experience where I got to learn about leadership and meet new people,” said Guerrero. “Some of my favorite activities were ziplining and canoeing, which were new things for me. The most valuable aspect (of FLE) is knowing people and developing leadership along with them. I went into this very nervous, and I thought it would be awkward. Now, I’m leaving with lasting and fun memories. It was definitely a highlight of college for me so far.”
The group was accompanied by Megan Bell, director of the ATU Center for Student Engagement and First-Generation Success, and Paula Gonzalez Prado, graduate assistant in the ATU Department of Campus Life.
“FLE for me was something I have literally never experienced before but in the best ways possible,” said Young. “I was able to get out of my head and just do.”
According to the ATU Department of Campus Life, learning outcomes for ATU Freshman Leadership Experience include:
- Students will be able to identify their personal strengths and how they function in a team;
- Students will learn about the different types of communication styles;
- Students will learn skills to engage in conflict effectively and work toward conflict resolution;
- Students will learn that leadership is more than holding a position;
- Students will practice team leadership through active group participation.
Learn more about the ATU Department of Campus Life at www.atu.edu/campuslife.
