Major General William E. Harmon recalls being a student at what was then known as Arkansas Polytechnic College in the 1950s and watching as United States military veterans who had served in Korea returned home to pursue higher education.
He observed many of them struggle to make that transition, and a half-century later, that memory helped inspire him to advocate for the creation of a veteran services office at Arkansas Tech University.
On Thursday, May 7, that office was re-named and dedicated as the William E. Harmon Office of Veteran Services in recognition of his achievements, his service to Arkansas Tech and his care for the veterans who are enrolled there. The office is located in the Doc Bryan Student Services Center.
“Veterans are a unique breed of patriots,” said Harmon. “Our veterans at Arkansas Tech have rushed to the sounds of battle and natural disasters, and they are now working on their education in order to make a more significant contribution to our nation in the future. The veteran services office under the leadership of Shelly Hall, and before her Marsha Oels, provides critical assistance to an outstanding group of veterans day in and day out, around the clock.
“It’s a major transition for a veteran from combat to the classroom,” continued Harmon. “Not only for the veteran, but for his or her family. Shelly and the veteran services office tend to both the veteran and the family with great compassion and expertise. Here, our veterans are met with a welcoming environment that says, ‘welcome home, trooper…we’re here to help you in any way possible.’ I am sincerely grateful for this honor. However, I want to make it clear…the greater recognition belongs to the office of veteran services because the work they do helping veterans successfully transition from service to a brighter future through education is far more significant than my name on the wall.”
Harmon graduated from Arkansas Tech in 1960. A native of Little Rock, he was a member of the U.S. Army ROTC program, active in the Military Honor Society and an ROTC battle group commander during his time as an undergraduate student.
He was selected Who’s Who at Arkansas Tech during his senior year.
Harmon served on active duty in the U.S. Army from 1960-92. He was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army Infantry upon his graduation from Arkansas Tech. He was detailed to U.S. Army Military Intelligence Branch in 1962 and served in military intelligence for the next 30 years.
A veteran of the Vietnam War, Harmon is a graduate of the U.S. Army War College and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.
Harmon’s military honors included the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Meritorious Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Master Parachutist Badge, Ranger Tab and the Army Staff Identification Medal.
The first Arkansas Tech U.S. Army ROTC graduate to attain the rank of General, Harmon was inducted into the Military Intelligence Hall of Fame in June 2009.
One year after retiring from the military, Harmon entered the private sector and was chief information officer for Perot Systems in Dallas, Texas, from 1993-98.
He and his wife, Suzanne, returned to Russellville in 1998, and since that time, Harmon’s service to Arkansas Tech has included that of associate vice president for information technology from 1998-2000 and as the William M. Lemley Endowed Chair of Business from 2000-06.
Harmon served as associate vice president for information technology during the time Ross Pendergraft Library and Technology Center was planned and opened at Arkansas Tech. He provided similar counsel to his alma mater in ensuring that Rothwell Hall featured the best technology possible when it opened in 2010.
“This moment is especially meaningful because this office exists due to (Harmon’s) vision,” said Shelly Hall, ATU coordinator of veteran services. “His idea back in 2011 has grown into a place that serves so many of our service members, veterans and their families. Over the years, General Harmon has remained a dedicated supporter of our office, generously giving of his time, encouragement and belief in what we do. On a personal note, his support has meant more to me than I can fully express. This office is more than just a space. It represents a commitment to those who have served and to their families who have served alongside them. Today, it is only fitting that we recognize the person whose vision made it all possible.”
Harmon advocated for and supported the establishment of the ATU Office of Veteran Services, the ATU student veterans lounge and the ATU U.S. Army ROTC Hall of Honor.
He assisted in the establishment of a Green Zone initiative that better equipped ATU faculty and staff to meet the needs of military-affiliated Arkansas Tech students. He has also remained a steadfast supporter of and advocate for the ATU U.S. Army ROTC program.
Harmon served alongside his wife as honorary co-chairpersons for the Arkansas Tech Centennial Committee. He provided the keynote address at the ATU Centennial Convocation on April 29, 2011, at Tucker Coliseum.
Harmon was also among the speakers at the 25th anniversary of the dedication of Ross Pendergraft Library and Technology Center on Oct. 30, 2024.
“We live our lives, and we run into a few people who really make an influence on us…people whose careers you are just amazed by,” said Dr. Russell Jones, ATU president. “General Harmon is one such person. When I first met General Harmon, he was a very nice and cordial gentleman, but I didn’t know his background at the time. Then I started hearing about all that he has accomplished in his life, and it’s an amazing list. What a life he has led, and what an honor it is for us to have him associated with Arkansas Tech.”
Arkansas Tech bestowed its highest honor upon Harmon when he was inducted into the ATU Hall of Distinction in 1990. He was inducted into the ATU U.S. Army ROTC Hall of Honor as a member of its inaugural class in 2017.
“I truly appreciate the leadership, guidance, mentoring and friendship (Harmon) has provided me over the years,” said Major General William Wofford, who like Harmon is an alumnus of Arkansas Tech and a member of the ATU Hall of Distinction. “I’m not sure how many ROTC cadets, veterans and Tech staff members have benefited from his caring, though occasionally direct, leadership. Since his military retirement 34 years ago, General Harmon has demonstrated his love and commitment to veterans and to this university. It is truly fitting that the Arkansas Tech University Office of Veteran Services be re-named the William E. Harmon Office of Veteran Services.”
Learn more about the Major General William E. Harmon Office of Veteran Services at www.atu.edu/veterans.
