Ferguson Student Union Opens at Arkansas Tech, Transforming Campus Life
A new era for Arkansas Tech University (ATU) began on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, with the dedication and grand opening of the Ferguson Student Union. The 69,990-square-foot facility, a culmination of 12 years of planning and development, is poised to become the central hub for student life on campus.
A Vision Realized
The Ferguson Student Union is named in honor of Cindi and Jimmy Ferguson, whose lead gift made the construction of the facility possible. Jimmy Ferguson previously served on the ATU student affairs staff from 1975-1994 before achieving success as a McDonald’s franchise owner and operator in central Texas [1]. The building represents a long-held dream of Mr. Ferguson, who envisioned a vibrant space for students to connect and thrive.
“Ferguson Student Union is a place where Arkansas Tech students will grow into the best version of themselves,” said Stephanie Duffield, ATU alumna and chair of the ATU Board of Trustees. [2]
What the Ferguson Student Union Offers
The Ferguson Student Union provides a wide array of amenities designed to enhance the student experience, including:
- Student meeting spaces
- Lounge areas
- Fast casual dining
- An e-sports gaming lab with new TVs and gaming consoles [2]
- Basketball courts
- An outdoor recreation gear checkout location
- Cardio and free-weights gym
- A group fitness studio
- Multi-purpose courts for intramural sports and recreational activities [2]
- A bike shop offering free repairs for students [2]
Spaces Within the Union
The Ferguson Student Union features several uniquely named spaces, including:
- Bibler Conference Center
- Deward and Anne Dopson Recreation Center
- Travis Adams Leadership Room
- T.J. Ferguson Meeting Room
- Steve Lawrence Involvement Center
- Benny and LaVel Harris Terrace
- Sunderland Lounge
- Dave Pinson Fraternity and Sorority Leadership Councils Office
- Charles A. Frueauff Foundation First-Generation Resource Center
- William H. Bowen Family Foundation Lounge
- Luke and Stephanie Duffield Court
- Andy and Julie McNeill Court
- Brent and Jeni Garrett Student Government Association Office
- Bryce J. Mobley Coordinator of Student Involvement Office
- John and Leigh Whiteside Student Activities Board Office
A Long Road to Completion
The project’s origins trace back to 2014, with early discussions about funding a recreation center through student fees. In 2018, the scope expanded to include a student union component, receiving strong support from the student body [2]. Construction began in July 2024, following a ceremonial groundbreaking in March 2023. The project faced challenges, including a pause during the COVID-19 pandemic, but ultimately persevered thanks to continued student input and dedication from university leadership.
Philanthropic Support
Mullens Plaza, located outside the front doors of the Ferguson Student Union, was supported by the philanthropy of the late Annette and Bert Mullens. The plaza as well includes a grove of trees provided by Robert Norman and his family.
Looking Ahead
The Ferguson Student Union is expected to significantly enhance campus life at Arkansas Tech, fostering a stronger sense of community and providing students with the resources they necessitate to succeed. As Mr. Ferguson stated, the building is intended to be a “home” for students, a place where they can connect, learn, and grow. [1]
Cindi Ferguson will be the spring 2026 Arkansas Tech University LeMoyne Smith School of Business Distinguished Lecture Series speaker on Wednesday, March 18, in Doc Bryan Student Services Center Lecture Hall [3].