Arkansas Tech University

Early history (1909–76) Aerial view of Arkansas Tech University, 2008 In 1909, Act 100, passed by the Arkansas General Assembly and signed by Governor George Donaghey , provided for the creation of one agricultural high school in each of four districts stipulated in the act, with what would eventually become Arkansas Tech University in the Second District. [ 3 ] [ 4 ] [ 5 ] The schools were to teach horticulture and textile making in addition to agriculture. The location for each of the four schools was to be chosen by that district's five trustees, appointed by the Governor, taking into consideration "the nature of the soil, healthfulness of location, general desirability, and other material inducements offered, such as the donation of buildings, land or money." The four schools eventually evolved into four present-day institutions of higher learning. The First District Agricultural School at Jonesboro evolved into Arkansas State University; the Second District Agricultural School in Russellville is today's Arkansas Tech University; the Third District Agricultural School in Magnolia became Southern Arkansas University; and the University of Arkansas Monticello began as the Fourth District Agricultural School. [ 5 ] After evaluating proposals from Fort Smith, Morrilton, Ozark, and Russellville, on February 10, 1910, Second District Agricultural School trustees announced that the school would be located in Russellville. [ 6 ] Construction of the school's Main Building began on April 10, 1910, [ 7 ] with contracts for additional buildings let in June 1910. [ 8 ] On October 26, 1910, the first classes were held in Russellville. The original purpose of the school was to offer a secondary (or high school) education in agricultural and technical subjects. [ 9 ] Later, the school took on the first two years of college instruction, and the school's name was changed to Arkansas Polytechnic College by the General Assembly in 1925 to reflect this change in purpose.

The school became a two-year junior college in 1927 and, at the end of the 1929–1930 academic year, stopped offering high school classes. [ 10 ]

Several Tech buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places . [ 12 ] Caraway Hall — residence hall, renovated in 2024 Old Art Building — retired academic building, now known as Browning Hall, renovated in 2013 to house administrative offices Hughes Hall — residence hall, renovated in 2010 Techionery — academic building, mainly used as a theatre shop and performance space by the ATU Theatre Department Williamson Hall — academic building, renovated in 2003 to include kitchen facilities Wilson Hall — residence hall

ATU underwent academic restructuring in 2022 placing programs into four colleges: [ 13 ] [ 14 ] College of Arts & Humanities College of Business and Economic Development College of Education & Health College of STEM The university also has several academic centers: Academic Advising Center Center for Teaching and Learning Museum Ross Pendergraft Library and Technology Center Student Support Services