SmithGroup Celebrates Grand Opening of Arkansas Tech University’s Ferguson Student Union

Today, we celebrate the grand opening of Arkansas Tech University’s Ferguson Student Union. The new building replaces the former student union, first opened in the 1950s, and creates a vibrant hub for campus life, collaboration and recreation. 

“Ferguson Student Union is unlike anything that has previously existed at Arkansas Tech University,” said Dr. Russell Jones, ATU president. “It is the result of many years of thoughtful planning and input from our students and our professional staff in student affairs. Ferguson Student Union, in combination with the Mullens Plaza and forthcoming improvements to the Hindsman Tower lawn, will enhance Arkansas Tech’s reputation as having one of the most beautiful university campuses in the region. I am excited for everyone to see Ferguson Student Union on March 18 and for our students, faculty and staff to begin utilizing a facility that will make us a more connected and healthier campus.” 

Designed in partnership with MBL Architecture, Ferguson Student Union provides 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 encompasses 69,990 square feet. 

“The Ferguson Student Union serves as a defining gateway to the university and a central hub for student life,” said Kalman Nagy, Architect at SmithGroup. “We designed the building to create a welcoming sequence of spaces, beginning with a new pedestrian plaza meant to gather students from across campus and a terraced front porch overlooking the tree-lined landscape. Inside, the main entry acts as an open invitation to student union programming and a new campus recreation center, showcasing everything from esports to group fitness. This central ‘living room’ helps students quickly see how they can connect and find their place within campus life at ATU.” 

Read the full press release here.