Amy Pennington was fulfilling two roles as she spoke to the crowd at the grand re-opening of Jones Residence Hall at Arkansas Tech University on Saturday, Oct. 12.
On one hand, she was carrying out her duties as ATU associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students.
On the other hand, she was an alumna sharing her reflections on a facility that means a great deal to her and many other Arkansas Tech alumni.
“When I first walked through these doors as a wide-eyed freshman, I had no idea the journey that awaited me,” said Pennington. “This building became more than just a place to sleep. It became my home. The late-night study sessions, the spontaneous gatherings and the deep conversations in the third-floor lobby all shaped my college experience in ways I could have never imagined.”
Jones Residence Hall is named for Charles Jones. She taught psychology and education courses at Arkansas Tech from 1938-71.
Jones served her country in the United Service Organizations (USO) during the final two years of World War II (1944-45) and was deployed to British Guiana (later known as Guyana).
On campus, she was head of the psychology department from the time Arkansas Tech became a four-year college until her retirement. Jones wrote the $26,000 grant proposal that established Arkansas Tech’s social and rehabilitation services program, which began operation in 1969. At the beginning of the program, there were only 12 others like it in the United States.
A graduate of Galloway Women’s College and the University of Arkansas, Jones taught in the public schools at Blytheville, Brookland, Cotton Plant and Joiner before she was hired at Arkansas Tech.
The Arkansas Tech Board of Trustees voted in August 1966 to name the forthcoming women’s residence hall in Jones’ honor. The building was dedicated in November 1967. Jones died on April 24, 1979. She was 78.
“Today, we remember Miss Jones and her legacy at Arkansas Tech by celebrating the grand re-opening of the building that bears her name,” said Dr. Russell Jones, ATU president.
Jones Residence Hall was already under consideration for a thorough renovation project in February 2021 when a record-breaking cold snap led to burst pipes inside the building. The damage caused ATU to temporarily close Jones Residence Hall and expand the scope of the renovation.
The ATU Board of Trustees approved funding for the Jones Residence Hall renovation in May 2021 and the project began on Sept. 30, 2022. The facility hosted guests during the total solar eclipse in April 2024 and students took occupancy of the renovated building beginning in summer 2024.
The scope of the Jones Residence Hall renovation project included interior demolition and abatement, plumbing and drain relocations, complete re-design of the interior spaces (lobbies, rooms, apartments, kitchens, study areas, etc.), standing new walls in newly redesigned spaces, replacing interior finishes (floor covering, wall covering, ceiling system, etc.), addition of a fire sprinkler system and installation of an elevator.
“This project was not an easy one,” said Drew Dickey, ATU director of facilities management. “It provided us with an uncommon opportunity to begin a renovation project of this magnitude with a blank canvas. We literally touched every square inch of this building. It was a robust and dense project. It forced our team to be nimble. I’m really excited, and I know my team is really excited, to see how this project benefits the university and its students in the long term.”
Dickey expressed appreciation to SCM Architects, Alessi Keyes Construction and the ATU Division of Student Affairs for the roles they played in planning and executing the renovation.
Total cost for the Jones Residence Hall renovation was $9 million.
“From the thoughtfulness of the design to the beauty of each finish and beyond, Jones Hall has been transformed into a cozy, welcoming living environment for the 192 students who are fortunate to call it home,” said Pennington. “To the current residents, I encourage you to embrace every moment. Take advantage of the resources available to you. Engage with your neighbors, and create your own lasting memories. This space is yours now to fill with laughter, learning and love.”
