Graduate College Staff

Dr. Richard Schoephoerster

Dean, Graduate College and Research
Phone: (479) 968-0398
E-mail: rschoephoerster@atu.edu  

• Ph.D. - University of Iowa (Mechanical Engineering)
• M.S. - University of Iowa (Mechanical Engineering)
• B.S. - University of Iowa (Biomedical Engineering)

Dr. Richard Schoephoerster joined the ATU Faculty in 2020. He previously served as Professor and Dean of the College of Engineering at the American University of Sharjah for three years. Prior to that he served as Professor and Dean of the College of Engineering at The University of Texas at El Paso for 8 years. He served at Florida International University from1990-2007 and was the Founding Chair of the Department of Biomedical Engineering and the Wallace H. Coulter Eminent Scholars Chair.

Dr. Schoephoerster also oversees ATU's research initiatives and sponsored programs.

Lindelle Fraser

Coordinator of Graduate Student Support Services
Interim Graduate College Administrator
Interim Graduate Council Secretary
Phone: (479) 880-4112
Email: lfraser@atu.edu

• M.S. - Arkansas Tech University (College Student Personnel)
  
• B.S.B.A. - Arkansas Tech University (Management & Marketing)
  

Lindelle joined the Graduate College team in January 2019. She coordinates the publication process for master’s theses and doctoral dissertations, plans events and trainings for graduate students and graduate assistants, and completes reporting and assessment for the Graduate College. Lindelle currently resides in Russellville with her husband, Matt, and daughters, Mae and Molly.

   Kaitlynn Beaird

Graduate Admissions Officer
Phone: 479-317-7148
Text Only: 479-888-2421
Email: kbeaird@atu.edu

• M.A. - The University of Alabama, 2020
  
• B.S. - University of West Alabama, 2017
  

A first-generation college student, Kaitlynn received a B.S. in Integrated Marketing Communications with summa cum laude distinction and as an honors scholar from the University of West Alabama in December 2017, and a M.A. in Higher Education Administration from The University of Alabama in May 2020. In her free time, she is a freelance graphic designer and enjoys attending concerts, visiting family and friends, and playing with her Australian Shepherd, Bane. 

Sarah Burnett

Project Coordinator
Phone: (479) 880-4323
Email: sburnett6@atu.edu

• M.A.T- University of Central Arkansas(Secondary Mathematics)
  
• B.S.B.A. - Arkansas Tech University(Management & Marketing)

Sarah has worked at Arkansas Tech for the past 6 years in STEM Education. She currently works with K-12 schools to support STEM outreach, supports VEX Robotics across the state, hosts the VEX State Championships, supports STEM initiatives and sponsored programs at the University, and works within the graduate college to manage graduate level degree program requirements. Sarah currently resides in Yell county with her husband, Brent, and two children, Drake and Isabella.

Denise wallis

Direct Assistant to the Dean
Phone: (479) 968-0398
Email: cwallis@atu.edu

Denise Wallis started working for Arkansas Tech University in 2016. She has recently transitioned to the position of Administrative Specialist for the Graduate College. Her roles include collecting and recording student information to assist them with the graduate school application process.

Denise is a lifelong resident of Pope County and currently resides in Dover with her husband, Randall, and their two sons, Baxter and Kenlee.

Jill hays

Administrative Specialist III/Admissions Coordinator
Phone: (479) 356-2203                              
Email: jhays@atu.edu  

Jill began working in the ATU Graduate College in 2006. She has aided the office in system updates and evolving initiatives which improve the application experience for students. As the primary admission specialist, Jill is often the first contact students have with our Graduate College. She currently resides in Russellville with her puppy Sadie.

Christopher Rehm

Graduate Assistant                         
Email: crehm2@atu.edu

• M.S. - in progress
• M.A.T - Arkansas Tech University
• B.S. - University of Central Arkansas

Chris began working with the Graduate College in July 2019. With a background in customer service and expertise in information technology, he has taken the lead on web development and supports various projects for the Graduate College.