Construction of a facility that promises to serve as the new campus living room at Arkansas Tech University reached a milestone on Tuesday, Jan. 14, with a topping out ceremony for Ferguson Student Union.
Members of the ATU community had the opportunity to sign a steel beam before it was lifted by crane to the facility’s highest point and installed on the north side of the building.
“Thank you to each of you who left your mark on the building by signing the beam,” said Dr. Russell Jones, ATU president, during the ceremony. “In addition to your signatures, several members of the Arkansas Tech community have left their mark on this project by serving as major donors. Their support is an indication of their belief in the mission and vision of Arkansas Tech and the important role our university serves as a place of opportunity for the people of this region and beyond.”
Ferguson Student Union major donors recognized during the topping out ceremony included the building’s namesakes, Cindi and Jimmy Ferguson, as well as Laurie Bibler Terry and the late James Bibler, the Bowen Family Foundation, Kim and Mark Dopson, Stephanie and Luke Duffield, the Frueauff Foundation, Jeni and Brent Garrett, LaVel and Benny Harris, Julie and Andy McNeill, Carol and the late Bryce Mobley, the estate of Annette and Bert Mullens, LeAnn and Dave Pinson, the Sunderland Foundation and Leigh and John Whiteside.
Jones reflected on the planning process for Ferguson Student Union and expressed appreciation to the ATU student leaders who were integral in programming its features.
Ferguson Student Union will provide student meeting spaces, lounge spaces for students to enjoy during their free time, fast casual dining, an e-sports gaming lab, basketball courts, a location to check out outdoor recreation gear and workout areas for cardiovascular and strength fitness training. The facility will encompass 69,990 square feet.
“On behalf of Kinco Constructors, I want to thank the ATU Board of Trustees, Dr. Jones and Drew Dickey (ATU director of facilities management) and his team for all their hard work,” said Clay Gordon, president of Kinco Constructors, which is serving as contractor for the Ferguson Student Union project. “We appreciate your support and belief in us to serve as your construction partner on such a significant project. We are grateful to serve.”
Construction of Ferguson Student Union began in July 2024 and is scheduled to be complete in early 2026. It is located on the parcel of land between Chambers Cafeteria and the Hull Physical Education Building.
“There will be much more to say when we dedicate this building next year,” said Jones. “For now, I would like to express my appreciation to our partners at Miller Boskus Lack, SmithGroup and Kinco Constructors for the job they have done so far in planning and beginning the construction phase. I am also grateful to Drew Dickey and his team in the ATU Office of Facilities Management for all they have contributed to this project. We are so excited to see the finished product in 2026.”
Learn more about Ferguson Student Union at www.atu.edu/studentunion/future.php.
