Ferguson Student Union
ROLE: ARCHITECT OF RECORD
CLIENT: ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY
SIZE: 70,634 SF
COMPLETION DATE: 2026
Strategically located just south of Chambers Cafeteria on ATU’s Russellville campus, the Ferguson Student Union replaces the former student union, which was originally opened in the 1950s, and delivers a new hub for campus life, collaboration and recreation.
Utilizing student feedback in the planning process, designers were able to plan the facility to meet the current needs of those who use and work at the complex. The new amenities include:
E-sports Lab
Student Organization Offices
Living Room Lounge
Gaming Lounge
Dining Area
Cardio and Free Weights Gym
Group Fitness Studio
Multi-Purpose Courts
Outdoor Recreation and Bike Repair
Food Service
Event Space
Meeting Rooms
First Aid Room
In addition to creating a vibrant space for students to gather throughout the day, the Ferguson Student Union will host intercollegiate Esports competitions, which have been surging in popularity over recent years. Other features include a flexible recreation space that could be used for various sports, such as pickleball and basketball.
“As the architect-of-record for the Ferguson Student Union, MBL Architecture wanted to honor the rich heritage of ATU and set it up for generations to come with a fully-integrated interior to exterior design of spaces,” said Audy Lack, AIA, LEED AP, principal at MBL Architecture. “That’s why we assembled the team with SmithGroup, with their beautiful knowledge of collegiate recreation centers and student union spaces, and Ground Control, Landscape Architecture, for their craft in creating modern outside spaces. With these key teammates, we were able to create a unified design which flows through the disparate functions of the Ferguson Student Union and out into the functional outdoor spaces of the new Mullens Plaza.”
"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.”
