[laf10]

1. No, not at all.

2. I don't think so.. I go to ATU and have seen some pamphlets about what to do "in case" of an accident, but no one seems concerned here.

3. Yes, the people are very friendly.

4. ATU is nice. It has a mix of students. The community and ATU have a good relationship.

5. I really don't know, but I know there will be a lot of competition from the ATU graduates, UCA graduates, etc.

6. Shopping is pretty basic (JC Penney, Belk, Maurices, Stage, and maybe a few other places). Nightlife/entertainment is pretty nonexistant except the movie theater or bowling. If you like the outdoors, there are a lot of options. Sometimes ATU has events for the community. Conway and Little Rock are close and there are more options there too.

[RSVL]

Originally Posted by fltoar

Hello,
I am considering taking a job at Arkansas Tech University.

1) Does the whole town smell like a rendering plant?

2) Is there a real reason to be concerned about the nuclear plant?

3) Is the town truly friendly to outsiders?

4) Is Arkansas Tech a good university? Does it have a good relationship with the town?

5) What are the job prospects for elementary school teachers?

1. When the rendering plant does as they should, you won't smell it unless you are within close proximity (say a city block or two) and when they smell you bad, it can reach a mile away, but that's rare and won't last over a day or two once in a great while.

2. Everyone everywhere is concerned about Nuclear safeguards. Most likely, it's as safe as it can possibly be (all things considered). Look at the national track record.

3. In answer to your question about the town being friendly to outsiders, the church I'm apart of throws an annual Welcome To America Party for international students at ATU and will have 150 - 200 guest. They also have a few friendly folks that assist studentsa throughout the year. Show internationals where to find stores, acquire driving licenses and that kind of thing. I can't imagine a more genuinely friendly place.

4. I know 3 of the professors at ATU that are top notch nice people. Like everything else, I'm sure they have a few soreheads, but trhe ones i know are great. The local schools frequently have certain activities at the ATU Campus and i never hear anything bad about ATU relations with the town.

5. Elementary teaching jobs? I know the Russellville Superintendent (nice a guy as there is anywhere) and a couple of the principals that are extra nice too. Of course openings happen most every year. Russellville has 5 elementary schools that i can think of and maybe some i can't recall and then there are the outlying towns, several within 10 miles. Dover, Dardanelle, Pottsville, Atkins, London, Knoxville and that's about all within 10 miles.

Peace
RSVL

[jcoates1120]

I lived in Russellville from the early 90s until 2005 and I also attended ATU. Let me give you some answers to your questions based on my experiences and insight.

1) No. Unless you are driving by the plant, you wouldn't even know it was there.

2) Both of my parents worked at the nuclear plant for a number of years. There's nothing dangerous about it. It's brings ton of employment opportunities to the River Valley.

3) I would say the town is extremely friendly to everyone. I live in Little Rock now and one of the things I miss most about Russellville is the Southern hospitality of the town.

4) ATU is a great school. They are really working on making improvements to the campus. Since leaving Tech in 2005, there have been numerous additions-new softball complex, art center, renovated the football stadium and added a dorm, renovated at least one other dorm I am aware of. The school has one of the fasted growing enrollment rates in the state. The only downfall for the students is that Russellville is in a dry county. There's not a lot to do for nightlife, so that deters lots of potential students to go elsewhere(U of A, ASU).

5) I'm not sure of the potential openings for elem. school teachers. I can tell you that there are atleast 6 elementary schools in the RSD. I attended London Elementary and LOVED it!

6) This is the part of the town that suffers. But on a good note, they are allowing a few liquor licenses to various resturants. A popular place now to go is at Galla Creek Golf Course near Pottsville. There is also the Supper Club(a little redneck bar, but there was nothing else to do when I was attending school there) and the bar at the Holiday Inn. Although Sheriff Winters was GREAT, I think with his retirement, the social aspect of Russellville will greatly improve in the years ahead.

All in all I miss living there. I never thought I would be saying that, but I do. Hope you enjoy your move!

[fltoar]

Thanks so much for all the good advice and good will from Russellville. My wife and I will be visiting during the first week of June to find a house to rent (we're hoping to find a place that will welcome our labrador), and plan to move in early July.