Len Cotton of Dardanelle was honored on Thursday, Dec. 19, for his service as chairman of the Arkansas Tech University Board of Trustees during the 2024 calendar year.
Cotton was appointed to the ATU Board of Trustees by Gov. Asa Hutchinson in 2020. His five-year term on the ATU Board of Trustees will expire on Jan. 14, 2025.
The recognition of Cotton’s service as chairman took place during the final ATU Board of Trustees meeting of 2024.
“Upon his appointment to the ATU Board of Trustees, Mr. Cotton immediately applied his trademark enthusiasm, thoughtfulness and kindness to his new responsibilities,” said Dr. Russell Jones, ATU president. “He is a staunch advocate for Arkansas Tech, its people and its programs. Students, faculty and staff across campus have gained first-hand knowledge of Mr. Cotton’s affection for Arkansas Tech and his determination to see it succeed.”
Cotton graduated from Dardanelle High School in 1963 and made the trip across the Arkansas River to study agriculture at what was then known as Arkansas Polytechnic College. After completing his two-year degree at Tech, Cotton went on to earn his bachelor’s degree and his master’s degree at the University of Arkansas.
“It is appropriate that one of the highlights of Mr. Cotton’s service as chairman of the ATU Board of Trustees was the groundbreaking for the Farm Credit Agriculture Building,” said Jones. “This important addition to our campus is aligned with Mr. Cotton’s belief in and support of the ATU agriculture program…the same program that helped shape a young Len Cotton when he first came to Arkansas Tech as a freshman. Once complete, the Farm Credit Agriculture Building will be an important aspect of Mr. Cotton’s sizable legacy at Arkansas Tech.”
Cotton served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and earned the Army Commendation Medal, the Air Medal and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge.
He was a member of the committee that helped bring the Arkansas Vietnam Veterans Memorial to the State Capitol grounds in Little Rock.
Cotton worked for the Arkansas Department of Health for 37 years, including service as district manager for the counties of Johnson, Logan, Pope and Yell from 2001 until the time of his retirement in 2009.
A long-time cattle farmer in Yell County, Cotton has rendered volunteer service as chairman of the American Legion Arkansas Boys State Commission and as a member of the Arkansas Veterans Commission, the Tri-County Regional Water Board, Dardanelle Rotary Club, the Dardanelle Chamber of Commerce, the Yell County Wildlife Federation, the Dardanelle City Youth Baseball Commission and the Dardanelle High School Athletic Booster Club.
Cotton has served as the public address announcer at Dardanelle High School football games for more than 30 years, and he is a lifelong member of Dardanelle Methodist Church.
“I’ve had a good time,” said Cotton in reflecting on his service on the ATU Board of Trustees. “I have something I call my friend inventory, and I’ve added a lot of friends through this opportunity. I’m grateful to all of you for everything you’ve done.”
