OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS STAFF

VACANT
Director of Admissions

awaniewski@atu.edu

Alisa Waniewski
Associate Director for Academic Scholarships

• B.S., Henderson State University, 1990.

Alisa began working for Arkansas Tech University in 1992. While at Tech, she has worked in the Office of Admissions, the Registrar's Office and the Financial Aid Office. Alisa also served as President of the Arkansas Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers in 2000-2001. Alisa serves on many campus committees, to include: Foundation Scholarship Selection Committee, Institutional Scholarship Appeals Committee, University Honors Council, and as an ambassador for the Working and Giving Together Campaign. She and her husband, Scott, have a son, Grey, and live on Mount Nebo in Dardanelle. Alisa is the contact person for all academic and transfer scholarships.  

kthrelkeld@atu.edu

Kerri Threlkeld
Associate Director for Admissions Operations

• B.A., Arkansas Tech University, 2016.
• A.A., Arkansas Tech University, 2013.

Kerri came to the Office of Admissions in July of 2007 after working as a Registrar's Assistant. Kerri oversees and manages admissions operations for the Russellville campus. She and her husband Jeff reside in Russellville with Peggy the corgi, and Howie the standard poodle. Kerri enjoys reading, crocheting, cooking, and traveling.

Brandie Gibbs
Associate Director for recruitment

  mjoneslawson@atu.edu

Meredith Lawson
Associate Director for Admissions communications

• M.A., University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2009.
• B.A., University of Alabama, 2007.

Meredith joined the Office of Admissions in February 2020, after serving as the Coordinator of Graduate Enrollment Management for the ATU Graduate College. Prior to joining the ATU family, Meredith spent five years with Southern Arkansas University, most recently as a Regional Admissions Counselor for the Dallas/Ft.Worth Metroplex. A native of Birmingham, Meredith spent seven years at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, in a variety of roles. She and her husband Josh currently reside in Russellville with their furry children, Lola and Willie.

sbilley@atu.edu

Sabrina billey
coordinator for concurrent enrollment

Text me: (479) 337-4730

• M.S., Arkansas Tech University, 2009.
• B.S.B.A., Oklahoma State University, 2007.

Sabrina joined the Office of Admissions in November 2018, after working nearly seven years in Residence Life at ATU. She earned a B.S.B.A. in Management and Accounting from Oklahoma State University and a M.S. in College Student Personnel from ATU. Prior to returning to ATU, Sabrina spent three years at Texas State University - San Marcos as a Residence Hall Director. She is a life member of Junior Auxiliary of Russellville and serves on the Promotion and Events Council for the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce. She and her boyfriend Daniel reside in Russellville with their dog Max.

msouth@atu.edu

Melissa South

Coordinator for family engagement and events 

• M.S., Arkansas Tech University, pending
• B.A., Arkansas Tech University, 2015.

Melissa joined the Office of Admissions in March 2021. She and her husband Joey reside in Russellville with their four children Savannah, Emily, Chase, and Jace along with their two dogs Ellie and Zeppelin. Melissa and her family enjoy hiking, traveling, sports, and pretty much anything outdoors.

vacant

Coordinator for campus visit experience

gbrooks1@atu.edu

George Brooks
Admissions Officer

My Region: Southwestern Arkansas, Texas, and Southwestern US
Text me: (479) 888-2487

• M.S., Arkansas Tech University, 2022.
• B.S., Arkansas Tech University, 2021

George joined the Office of Admissions staff in the Spring of 2023 after completing his M.S. in Student Affairs and Administration and his B.S in Mathematical Education. George was a 3 year starter for the Tech Football team and was a Captain his last 2 seasons. He is from Allen, Texas and enjoys spending time with friends and family. 

Kyndal atkinson
Admissions Officer

My Region: Southeastern Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Southern US
Text me: (479) 888-2526
Email: katkinson2@atu.edu

• B.A., Arkansas Tech University, 2022

Kyndal joined the Office of Admissions staff in the Spring 2023 after completing her B.A. in Secondary Speech Education. While in college, Kyndal was a member of the Arkansas Tech Theatre and also served as a transfer orientation leader. She is from Springdale, AR and enjoys painting, hiking, and hanging with her friends and family.

rwright22@atu.edu 

Rachel Wright

Admissions officer

My Region: Northwest Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Midwestern US
Text me: (479) 888-8020
Email: rwright22@atu.edu

• B.A., University of Arkansas, 2020

Rachel joined the Office of Admissions in September of 2022 after one year in Undergraduate Admissions at the University of Arkansas - Little Rock. A native of Pottsville, AR, she graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication in May 2020. While in college, Rachel was a member of both the University of Arkansas and Arkansas Tech University cheer teams and served as an intern within the U of A Athletics Department.

Presley Thompson
ADMISSIONS OFFICER

Mekinzie Kyle

Admissions officer

sshen@atu.edu

Shannon Shen
Administrative Specialist III

• A.A., Nursing, Hungkuang University, Taiwan, 1991.

Shannon and her husband, Ernest, moved to Russellville in 2000. Shannon joined the Admissions Office in 2007 and processes admission applications and assists prospective students with the admission process. Shannon loves the River Valley and currently resides in Russellville with her husband, Ernest, and their two children, Gloria and Ethan.

 mwilt@atu.edu

MEAGHAN WILT
ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST III

• M.L.A., Arkansas Tech University, pending.
• B.A., Arkansas Tech University, 2020.
• B.F.A., Arkansas Tech University, 2020.
• A.A., Arkansas Tech University, 2019

Meaghan recently earned her Bachelor of Arts in English and Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing at Arkansas Tech. She joined the Office of Admissions in September 2020. Meaghan processes admission applications and assists prospective students with the admission process. In her free time, Meaghan is an avid writer and reader, loves to travel, and enjoys spending time with her two nephews.

jcrouch@atu.edu

Judy Crouch
Administrative Specialist III for International admissions

Judy is a long time resident of the Russellville area with strong ties to the community and Arkansas Tech University. Judy has many years of volunteer service with area schools and youth organizations. She has also dedicated the past 15 years to Tech as Administrative Specialist with over 10 years in international admissions. With her experience and enjoyment of student interaction, Judy is excited to help expand the international program and welcomes the opportunity to help international students succeed at Arkansas Tech University.

awhitbey1@atu.edu

Alex Whitbey
ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST III

• B.A., Arkansas Tech University, 2021.
• A.A., Arkansas Tech University, 2016.

Alex grew up in the Russellville area. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Creative Writing from ATU in 2021. Alex joined the Office of Admissions in February 2022, where she processes admission applications and assists prospective students. In her free time, Alex enjoys hiking, writing, and spending time with her dog Sirius.

carson davis

Administrative Specialist III

• M.L.A., Arkansas Tech University, pending.
• B.A.,Southwestern College-KS, 2020.

Carson joined the Office of Admissions in April 2023, after working as the Graduate Assistant for Alumni and Advancement for almost 2 years. She grew up in Russellville, but went to college in Kansas pursue her B.A. in Theatre Design & Technology. She is so excited to be back home in the River Valley while she works on her Master of Liberal Arts here at ATU. In her free time, Carson loves working with the community theatre and spending time with loved ones, especially her goldendoodle Oliver.

klopez1@atu.edu

Kacie lopez
ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST II

• B.A., Arkansas Tech University, pending

Kacie moved to the Russellville area in 2016 and is currently earning her Bachelor of Arts in English here at ATU. She joined the Office of Admissions in March 2022, where she is eager to assist prospective students with the admission process. In her free time, Kacie enjoys reading, writing, and going for scenic drives with her husband.

ktelford@atu.edu

Brooke Telford

Administrative Specialist II

• B.A., Arkansas Tech University, pending.
• A.A., Central Texas College, 2021.

Brooke moved to the Russellville area in 2021 and is currently working on her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology here at Arkansas Tech. She joined the Office of Admissions in May 2022, and thoroughly enjoys helping prospective students with the admissions process. Brooke likes spending time outside with her son Ellis and dog Kiwi, exploring new places, and enjoying delicious food!

JERRY II
OFFICIAL UNIVERSITY AMBASSADOR

Jerry Charles Young II took office as campus ambassador at Arkansas Tech University on Oct. 1, 2022. Jerry II succeeded Jerry Charles Young I, who restored a tradition that had been lost for 76 years and became ATU's first modern Jerry when he was introduced as campus ambassador on Oct. 26, 2013. Jerry I remained in the role of campus ambassador until his retirement on Oct. 1, 2022. Jerry II attends a variety of campus, community and alumni events as a living representative of the "Fight On!" spirit that defines Arkansas Tech.