Ferguson Student Union is named for Jimmy Ferguson, his wife Cindi, and their family. Mr. Ferguson served on the Arkansas Tech University staff from 1975-94, advancing to the rank of assistant vice president and dean of students.
While at ATU, Mr. Ferguson was elected president of the Arkansas College Personnel Association in 1982. He served the National Association for Campus Activities as chairman of the board of directors and held an appointment by Gov. Bill Clinton to the Arkansas Governor’s Advisory Council on Volunteerism.
Since completing his service to ATU and entering the private sector, Mr. Ferguson and his family have owned and operated more than 30 McDonald's franchises in central Texas over three decades. He has held numerous national and regional leadership positions with the McDonald's organization.
Travis Adams enrolled at Arkansas Tech in fall 1951. During his sophomore year, he was elected president of the student body. He served as student director of sports information during his junior and senior years, was a Tech cheerleader, and held leadership positions as president of Blue Key, the history club, and his senior class in 1954-55. He also served as commander of the military honor society and sports editor of the Agricola yearbook.
Travis returned to Arkansas Tech in 1966 as assistant dean and assistant professor of history. He became associate vice president for academic affairs in 1970 and later served as vice president for student affairs from 1973-93. From 1993-97, he was executive assistant to President Dr. Robert C. Brown before retiring after 31 years and three months of service. Travis passed away on Sept. 4, 2016.
He is forever known as "Mr. Tech." No one ever loved Arkansas Tech University more than Travis.
T.J. Ferguson was born on Jan. 17, 1976, in Daytona Beach, Florida. He grew up in Russellville, graduated from Russellville High School, attended Arkansas Tech University, and settled in Elgin, Texas, in 1996.
T.J. was known for his unwavering loyalty, generosity, and compassion. He was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend whose wisdom and willingness to listen made him a trusted confidant.
The Central Texas Ronald McDonald House Charities of Austin was especially close to his heart, where he volunteered by preparing meals and supporting fundraising efforts.
T.J. passed away on Feb. 23, 2024.
Steve Lawrence joined the Arkansas Tech student affairs staff in 1976 and served the university for 37 years.
Throughout his career, he managed the W.O. Young Student Center, oversaw student conduct, served as chief of public safety, worked as associate dean of students, and sponsored the cheerleading squad.
Steve retired from Arkansas Tech in December 2013. He passed away on March 20, 2023.
Mullens Plaza is named in memory of Annette and Bert Mullens of Russellville.
Bert Mullens earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Arkansas Tech in 1951. A member of the Wonder Boys football and baseball teams, he went on to a 43-year banking career, serving as president of First Security Bank in Searcy, First National Bank of Russellville, First Commercial Bank in Memphis, Tennessee, and First City Bank of Memphis.
Following his retirement in 1994, Mr. Mullens served on the Regions Bank board and executive committee in Russellville.
He also served on the ATU Foundation Board of Directors, was president of the ATU Alumni Association, helped organize the university's endowment campaign in 1969, and served as its first national chairman. He was inducted into the ATU Hall of Distinction in 1982.
Mrs. Mullens earned an associate degree in business from Arkansas Tech in 1948. She passed away on Aug. 23, 2021, at the age of 92. Mr. Mullens passed away on Oct. 4, 2023, at the age of 94.
Bibler Event Center is named for the late James Bibler and his wife of more than 36 years, Laurie Bibler Terry.
Mr. Bibler studied business administration at Arkansas Tech before joining his family's lumber business in 1955. Beginning as a lumber stacker, he rose to company president at age 33 in 1967. After leading and modernizing the business for more than 30 years, he sold 90 percent of the company in 1998.
He served as chairman of the Arkansas Forestry Commission and was inducted into the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2015.
Mr. Bibler supported Arkansas Tech through his service on the College of Business Advisory Board, helping the accounting program achieve accreditation. In 2011, he received the university's highest honor with induction into the Arkansas Tech Hall of Distinction.
Mrs. Bibler Terry served as vice president, secretary, and chief financial officer of the family business. She also completed coursework at Arkansas Tech while preparing to become a real estate broker and has remained active as a longtime officer of the ATU Foundation Board of Directors.
Mr. Bibler passed away on Jan. 15, 2021. Laurie is now married to Jeff Terry of Russellville.
Located in Overland Park, Kansas, the Sunderland Foundation's mission is to "improve the quality of life in the communities we serve, with attention to those populations with the greatest need."
The foundation was established in 1945 by Lester T. Sunderland, who served as president of the Ash Grove Cement Company for 33 years.
Dopson Fitness Center is named in memory of Anne and Deward Dopson.
Mr. Dopson played center on the Arkansas Tech basketball teams that established head coach Sam Hindsman's dynasty during the late 1940s and early 1950s. The Wonder Boys compiled a 78-21 overall record and a 56-12 Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference record during his playing career from 1947-51, winning three consecutive AIC championships.
He was selected by the Minneapolis Lakers in the 1951 NBA Draft.
Mr. Dopson returned to Arkansas Tech as head men's basketball coach in 1966. His teams won 103 games from 1966-73, and the 1969-70 Wonder Boys reached the NAIA National Tournament, the program's only national tournament appearance between 1963 and 1995.
He was inducted into the ATU Hall of Distinction and the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 1982, as well as the inaugural class of the ATU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2022.
Following his coaching career, Mr. Dopson entered private business. He passed away on June 23, 2015, at his home in Lilburn, Georgia, at age 85. Mrs. Dopson passed away later that same day at age 82. They had been married for 64 years.
Harris Terrace is named for LaVel and Benny Harris.
Mr. Harris earned a bachelor's degree in business administration with a minor in economics from Arkansas Tech in 1969.
He served in the Arkansas Army National Guard from 1969-75 before beginning his career with the Arkansas Department of Human Services. In 1974, he entered banking as branch manager for Batesville Savings and Loan in Mountain View. His career later took him to Batesville, Pine Bluff, and finally Russellville, where he became president of First Arkansas Valley Bank. Following multiple bank mergers, he retired from Liberty Bank of Arkansas in 2014.
Mr. Harris passed away on March 14, 2025. Mrs. Harris resides in Russellville.
The William H. Bowen Family Foundation is a private Arkansas-based philanthropic organization established by the late attorney, judge, and benefactor William H. Bowen. The foundation supports charitable causes including education, healthcare, and community needs.
One of Mr. Bowen's children, Cynthia Bowen Blanchard, served on the Arkansas Tech faculty from 1981-2007.
Her husband, Charles Blanchard, served on the ATU Board of Trustees from 2009-19 and was inducted into the ATU Hall of Distinction in 2023.
Mr. Blanchard concluded a banking career of more than four decades when he stepped down as chief executive officer and board chair of First State Bank in 2023. He and Mrs. Blanchard reside in Russellville.
McNeill Court is named for Julie and Andy McNeill.
The McNeills are entrepreneurs, investors, and benefactors of Arkansas Tech University.
Mr. McNeill co-founded Denali Water Solutions, the nation's largest handler and recycler of food waste, in 2013 and serves as chairman. He is also a podcaster.
Mrs. McNeill has worked in consumer goods and environmental services as an organizational development and human capital management professional. She has also dedicated significant time to nonprofit organizations focused on dance and education.
Duffield Court is named for Stephanie and Luke Duffield.
Mr. Duffield is owner of Blackstone Construction and Mobley Concrete.
Mrs. Duffield is employed by Blackstone Construction and is serving her second term on the Arkansas Tech University Board of Trustees. She is board chair for the 2026 calendar year.
Together, they served as honorary co-chairs of the "Together, We Can" capital campaign, which raised $55 million in support of Arkansas Tech University through the ATU Foundation.
Jeni and Brent Garrett reside in Plano, Texas, and are the founders and owners of Sirius Plumbing and Air Conditioning in Carrollton, Texas.
Mr. Garrett graduated from Arkansas Tech in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. During his time at ATU, he was a member of the Wonder Boys football and golf teams, Student Government Association, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the Wesley Foundation.
He has continued to support his alma mater through service on the ATU Foundation Board of Directors, speaking at the 2019 ATU Scholarship Dinner, participating in the College of Business Distinguished Lecture Series, and mentoring students at the ATU-Ozark Campus.
Bryce J. Mobley graduated from Arkansas Tech in 1969 with a bachelor's degree in business and spent his career leading his family's business, Mobley Construction.
He was named the 1987 Morrilton Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year and Arkansas Community Development Citizen of the Year. He also served on the Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission and the Morrilton City Council.
Mr. Mobley passed away on Sept. 16, 2023.
Leigh and John Whiteside are residents of Russellville.
Mrs. Whiteside served on the Arkansas Tech University Board of Trustees from 2008-18 and was board chair in 2012 and 2017. She graduated from Arkansas Tech in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and taught in the Russellville School District for 21 years.
Mr. Whiteside graduated from Arkansas Tech in 1973 with bachelor's degrees in sociology and psychology. He was a member of the 1971 Wonder Boys football team that reached the NAIA National Championship Game. After retiring from Russellville Glass in 2000, he returned to Arkansas Tech to pursue a Master of Science degree in college support personnel.
The Charles A. Frueauff (pronounced FREW-OFF) Foundation was established in 1950 through the last will and testament of Charles A. Frueauff, a successful New York attorney and philanthropist.
Since its founding, the Frueauff Foundation has awarded more than $164 million in grants to over 1,185 agencies and institutions.
Dave Pinson earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from Arkansas Tech in 2002 and a Master of Science in College Student Personnel in 2004.
He has built a career of more than two decades in multifamily and student housing and currently serves as senior advisor for SVN OAK Realty Advisors.
Dave has served on both the ATU Alumni Association Board of Directors, including a term as president, and the ATU Foundation Board of Directors, including a term as chair. In 2020, he received the Knight Commander's Accolade, the highest individual honor bestowed upon a Kappa Alpha Order alumnus.