ATU Launches “ThinkSpace” at Co-Create Innovation Hub to Spark Collaboration and Innovation

We’re excited to share some news from our partners at Arkansas Tech University. The newly opened ATU ThinkSpace, located inside the Co-Create Innovation Hub in Russellville, is designed to bring together students, faculty, and community innovators under one roof. It’s a powerful example of how universities and local ecosystems can collaborate to drive economic development and real-world innovation.

As Dr. Julie Mikles-Schluterman, ATU professor of sociology and director of the ATU Center for Community Engagement and Academic Outreach, explains in the university’s announcement:

“I envision groups collaborating, creating, being innovative and having fun doing their job. I hope we see some really innovative projects come out of this space… students and faculty that develop small businesses or a product they can commercialize… or they work with a non-profit organization to solve a problem in our community.”

This new initiative aligns beautifully with the mission of the Co-Create Innovation Hub — connecting ideas, institutions, and innovators to make Russellville a regional center for creativity and technology. By giving students hands-on opportunities to collaborate with local organizations, ATU is helping bridge the gap between academic theory and entrepreneurial practice.

This post includes excerpts from an article originally published by Arkansas Tech University. Read the full story on ATU’s official website here.