Arkansas Tech University is engaged in a legacy bench project to further beautify its Russellville campus and provide pedestrians with additional opportunities to relax and enjoy their natural surroundings.
The 6-foot benches are manufactured from powder-coated steel to ensure their longevity. They are located at various pedestrian crossroads on campus. As of July 2025, 33 benches have been installed. Each bench is sponsored by a benefactor, and each bench carries a name or names associated with the sponsorship.
Proceeds from the sponsorships go toward the purchase, delivery and installation of the benches as well as coordinating powder-coated steel trash receptacles.
The ATU legacy bench effort was initiated by Arkansas Tech alumnus Robert Norman and his family. Over a span of multiple decades, the Norman family has contributed to the beautification of ATU through a number of projects, including the planting of more than 1,500 trees, the construction of Hindsman Tower and ongoing improvements to the lawn surrounding Hindsman Tower.
Mr. Norman and his wife, the late Sandra Joy Brownlee Norman, met while they were students at Arkansas Tech. Mrs. Norman grew up in Russellville. Much of the landscaping on the ATU campus is a direct result of the Normans’ interest and philanthropy.
“I have thought about this a lot…why I have a love for Arkansas Tech,” said Mr. Norman. “There are so many connections. I grew up here, and I had good mentors to help me with that process. The high school I graduated from in Houston, Texas, had 2,900 students. I’m not sure we had 1,000 students at Tech in those days, and that was great because we all knew everybody on campus. I received a lot of help along the way, and Tech gave me confidence in myself. I didn’t pay a dime for my schooling. It is important to me to pay forward what Tech did for me.”
The initial benches installed at ATU as part of the project are dedicated to the following individuals and entities:
- 1971 National Runner-Up Football Team
- Leon, Mary, Clay, Adam and Amy Anderson
- James A. Bibler
- Blanchard Family
- Gene and Aida Boyle
- Dr. Robert C. Brown and Jill Lestage Brown
- L.L. “Doc” and Evelyn Bryan
- Jack Burns and Betty Hickem Burns
- Chambers Bank
- William C. Chevaillier
- Dr. Olin Cook
- Matt and Pam Cooper
- Bill and Ann Davis
- Luke and Stephanie Duffield
- Jeanice Falls
- Jimmy and Cindi Ferguson
- Coach Sam Hindsman’s Memory – Tommy Hillman
- Tommy Hindsman and Sam Hindsman III Family
- Charles L. “Chuck” Horne and Donna Salts Horne
- Tom and Jayne Jones
- Dr. Kenneth Kersh
- Dr. Jim Ed McGee
- Bert and Annette Mullens Foundation
- John E. Newton
- Norman Family
- Robert and Sandra Norman
- John and Joie Nutt
- LeMoyne Smith
- Peggy Talkington
- Rick and Harriet Thone
- Kirk and Nancy Turner
Approximately 10 more benches are scheduled for installation in the near future. Individuals who wish for more information about sponsoring an ATU legacy bench are invited to send e-mail to Pam Cooper, ATU executive director of development and executive assistant for the ATU Division of Advancement, at pcooper@atu.edu, or call (479) 968-0400.
