Ferguson Leadership Legacy Program

The Ferguson Leadership Legacy Program is a year-long leadership development experience designed to help 20 first-year students discover their strengths, develop their leadership identities, build important relationships, and connect with student and professional leaders at Arkansas Tech University (ATU). Participants will also learn how to create positive change at ATU and in the surrounding community while building a strong foundation of skills that will prepare them to pursue key student leadership opportunities across campus.

The program intentionally moves students through a progression of leadership development:

Who Am I? → How Do I Lead? → How Do I Communicate? → How Do I Make an Impact? → Who Will I Become? → How Do I Lead Others? → How Do I Turn Ideas Into Action? → What Will My Legacy Be?

Students participating in the program will receive a $1,000 scholarship in the fall semester which, upon completion of program requirements, is renewed in the spring semester.

Why Apply?

The Ferguson Leadership Legacy Program offers more than financial support. The program provides an opportunity to develop your leadership skills, connect with students and staff, and make the most of your ATU experience.

As a program participant, you will:

Receive a $1,000 scholarship each fall and spring semester—a total of $2,000 per academic year.
Develop practical leadership skills through interactive workshops, engaging discussions, and hands-on experiences.
Connect with ATU leaders, alumni, community partners, and other accomplished professionals.
Build lasting relationships with a cohort of motivated students who share your commitment to leadership and service.
Gain experiences that will strengthen your résumé and prepare you for future internships, careers, and leadership roles.
Discover opportunities to become more involved at ATU and make a positive impact on campus and beyond.
Be part of a distinctive leadership tradition designed to help you grow, succeed, and leave your own legacy.

If you are ready to invest in your future, develop your potential, and make a difference, we encourage you to apply for the Ferguson Leadership Legacy Program.

About the Program

The Ferguson Leadership Legacy Program is a selective leadership development and scholarship program for incoming Arkansas Tech University students who demonstrate the potential and desire to make a positive difference in their communities.

Inspired by ATU’s former President’s Leadership Program, this renewed initiative honors Jimmy and Cindi Ferguson’s vision for restoring an important leadership experience for students and their generous support of participant scholarships.

Members of the program will join a cohort of motivated student leaders and participate in engaging workshops, conversations with campus and community leaders, service opportunities, and other experiences designed to promote personal and professional growth. Through these experiences, students will strengthen their leadership abilities, expand their networks, become more deeply connected to ATU, and prepare to lead with purpose on campus and beyond.

Each participant will also receive a $1,000 scholarship for the fall semester and a $1,000 scholarship for the spring semester—a total of $2,000 per academic year.

The Ferguson Leadership Legacy Program is more than a scholarship. It is an opportunity for students to discover their strengths, develop their voices, build important relationships, and create a legacy of leadership and service at Arkansas Tech University.

Program at a Glance

Who: Incoming Arkansas Tech University freshmen who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to making a positive difference.
Scholarship: $1,000 for the fall semester and $1,000 for the spring semester—a total of $2,000 per academic year.
Program Experience: Interactive leadership develoment workshops, service opportunities, relationship building, and conversations with campus and community leaders.
Connections: A supportive cohort of motivated students and opportunities to build relationships with ATU leaders, alumni, and community partners.
Application Opens: January 2027
Cohort Announced: April 2027
Program Begins: Fall 2027

Participants will gain practical leadership experience, strengthen their professional skills, become more connected to the ATU community, and prepare to lead with purpose on campus and beyond.

Session Dates

2027–2028 Program Schedule

The Ferguson Leadership Legacy Program includes 14 sessions—seven during the fall semester and seven during the spring semester. Each session will be held on a Tuesday from 6:00–8:00 p.m. Participants will also attend an off-site experience during the fall semester.

Fall 2027

Session 1: August 24, 2027
Session 2: September 7, 2027
Off-Site Experience: September 10–12, 2027
Session 3: September 21, 2027
Session 4: October 5, 2027
Session 5: October 19, 2027
Session 6: November 9, 2027
Session 7: November 30, 2027

Spring 2028

Session 8: January 18, 2028
Session 9: February 1, 2028
Session 10: February 22, 2028
Session 11: March 7, 2028
Session 12: March 28, 2028
Session 13: April 11, 2028
Session 14: April 25, 2028

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ferguson Leadership Legacy Program?

The Ferguson Leadership Legacy Program is a selective leadership development and scholarship program for incoming ATU students. Participants develop practical leadership skills, connect with campus and community leaders, engage in service, and build meaningful relationships with other members of their cohort.

Who is eligible to apply?

High school seniors planning to enroll at Arkansas Tech University as first-time freshmen in fall 2027 are eligible to apply.

Is the program open to students in every major?

Yes. Students from all academic majors and career interests are encouraged to apply.

Do I need to have held a formal leadership position?

No. Leadership can be demonstrated in many ways, including involvement in school, work, family, church, athletics, service, or community activities. Applicants should be prepared to describe their experiences, leadership potential, and desire to make a positive difference.

How much is the scholarship?

Each participant will receive a $1,000 scholarship for the fall 2027 semester and a $1,000 scholarship for the spring 2028 semester—a total of $2,000 for the program year.

When does the program meet?

The program includes 14 sessions during the 2027–2028 academic year. Sessions will be held on select Tuesdays from 6:00–8:00 p.m. Participants will also attend an off-site experience scheduled for September 10–12, 2027.

What will participants do?

Participants will take part in interactive workshops, leadership discussions, service opportunities, leadership development activities, and conversations with ATU and community leaders. Each experience is designed to help students grow personally, academically, and professionally.

Is attendance required?

Yes. Students selected for the program are expected to attend all 14 sessions, the off-site experience, and any other required program activities. Applicants should review the program schedule carefully before applying.

When will applications open?

Applications for the inaugural cohort will open in January 2027. The application deadline will be posted on this website.

How will participants be selected?

Applications will be reviewed based on each student’s leadership potential, commitment to service, personal goals, and willingness to participate fully in the program. Members of the inaugural cohort will be announced in April 2027.

When does the program begin?

The inaugural cohort will begin the program in fall 2027. The first session is scheduled for August 24, 2027.

Whom should I contact with questions?

Questions about the Ferguson Leadership Legacy Program may be directed to the Ferguson Leadership Legacy Program facilitation team at fergusonlegacyleaders@atu.edu.

Application Process

The Ferguson Leadership Legacy Program is open to high school seniors planning to enroll at Arkansas Tech University as first-time freshmen in fall 2027. Students from all backgrounds and academic interests are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Apply for admission to ATU. The Ferguson Leadership Legacy Program application is separate from the university’s admission application.
Complete the online program application. Application will open in January 2027. Applicants will be asked to share information about their experiences, goals, leadership potential, and interest in making a positive impact at ATU and beyond.
Submit all application materials by the published deadline. Late or incomplete applications may not be considered. Applications will be reviewed based on demonstrated leadership potential, commitment to service, and willingness to participate fully in the program.
Watch for a decision. Members of the inaugural cohort will be announced in April 2027.

Selected students must commit to attending all 14 program sessions, the fall off-site experience, and other required program activities during the 2027–2028 academic year.

Applications open in January 2027. Additional details and the application deadline will be posted on this page.

Application opens in January 2027! Check back here to complete your application.

Contact

Questions about the Ferguson Leadership Legacy Program may be directed to the Ferguson Leadership Legacy Program facilitation team at fergusonlegacyleaders@atu.edu.