A Legacy Preserved: Honoring the Tomlinson Family’s Enduring Connection to Arkansas Tech University
In the heart of Arizona’s sun-kissed landscapes, resides a family with an unwavering bond to Arkansas Tech University. Everett S. Tomlinson Jr., a nonagenarian with a wealth of memories, and his devoted wife, Mary Alice, welcomed Dr. Russell Jones, Arkansas Tech University’s interim president, during his visit to the state for the 2024 NCAA Convention. This poignant encounter marked a significant moment in preserving the legacy of the Tomlinson family and their profound connection to Arkansas Tech.
A Heartfelt Reunion: Dr. Russell Jones’ Visit to the Tomlinson Family
Dr. Jones presented the Tomlinson family with a portrait of Everett S. “Tommy” Tomlinson Sr., Everett Jr.’s father, as a token of appreciation. The cherished portrait once adorned the walls of Tomlinson Library, a place that held special significance in the Tomlinson family’s history. Additionally, Dr. Jones returned the plaques that had resided at the library’s main entrance for decades, further solidifying the university’s commitment to honoring the Tomlinson legacy.
Arkansas Tech: A Place of Growth and Nurturing Memories
Dr. Jones recalled his visit with the Tomlinson family, remarking, “Arkansas Tech was Everett’s growing-up place.” Everett Jr. recounted how his mother’s untimely passing when he was just three years old led to his upbringing by his father, Tommy Tomlinson. The bond between father and son was inseparable, often leading young Everett to accompany his father to the Arkansas Tech campus. Everett had a designated play area adjacent to his father’s office, reflecting the frequency of their visits.
With a twinkle in his eye, Everett Jr. shared a mischievous childhood escapade that left an indelible mark on the university’s history. During the library’s construction in the 1930s, a curious young Everett managed to sneak under a barrier and left his footprints in the freshly poured concrete foundation. Decades later, these footprints remain a testament to his youthful exuberance and the enduring spirit of Arkansas Tech.
A Home Adorned with Arkansas Tech Memorabilia
The Tomlinson family’s deep affection for Arkansas Tech is evident in their Arizona home, where two entire rooms are dedicated to Arkansas Tech memorabilia. These cherished artifacts, carefully preserved and displayed, serve as a tangible reminder of their enduring connection to the university.
Arkansas Tech’s Commitment to Preserving the Tomlinson Legacy
Dr. Jones expressed the university’s profound respect and care for the Tomlinson family, stating, “As an institution, Arkansas Tech has great respect and care for the Tomlinson family.” The opportunity to share artifacts from Tomlinson Hall with the family was not only a privilege but also a demonstration of the university’s unwavering commitment to maintaining the Tomlinson legacy for generations to come.
Tomlinson Hall: A Library, an Expansion, and a Transformation
Tomlinson Hall stood as the heart of Arkansas Tech’s academic landscape from its construction in 1936 until the opening of Ross Pendergraft Library and Technology Center in 1999. In October 1954, the Arkansas Tech Board of Trustees bestowed the honor of naming the library after Everett S. Tomlinson Sr., a dedicated member of the horticulture and science faculty from 1921 to 1949.
In August 1966, an expansion of Tomlinson Library was completed, further enhancing its capacity to serve the growing needs of the Arkansas Tech community. Following the opening of Pendergraft Library and Technology Center, Tomlinson Hall underwent a transformation, serving various administrative and academic functions.
The Decision to Demolish Tomlinson Hall: A New Chapter Begins
In response to the evolving needs of the university, the ATU Board of Trustees made the difficult decision to demolish Tomlinson Hall and its neighboring structure, the Administration Building, during a special called board meeting on October 2, 2023. This decision marked the beginning of a new chapter in Arkansas Tech’s history, one that would bid farewell to a beloved landmark while embracing the promise of progress and innovation.
The demolition process commenced in late 2023 and was expected to be completed in early 2024. As the physical structure of Tomlinson Hall faded into memory, the university remained committed to preserving the legacy of the Tomlinson family and honoring their contributions to Arkansas Tech.
Preserving the Tomlinson Cupola: A Symbol of Legacy and Remembrance
In a poignant gesture of remembrance, a crew from Kinco Constructors carefully removed the cupola from the top of Tomlinson Hall on December 19, 2023, ahead of the building’s demolition. This iconic architectural element, a symbol of Tomlinson Hall’s enduring presence, was destined for a new life on campus.
Plans were underway to permanently display the Tomlinson cupola in a prominent location, serving as a lasting tribute to the Tomlinson family and a reminder of the university’s rich history. This physical manifestation of the Tomlinson legacy would stand as a beacon of inspiration for generations of Arkansas Tech students, faculty, and staff.
Conclusion: A Bond that Transcends Time
The Tomlinson family’s connection to Arkansas Tech University is a testament to the enduring power of legacy and the transformative impact of education. From Everett S. Tomlinson Sr.’s dedication to nurturing young minds to Everett Jr.’s cherished memories of growing up on campus, the Tomlinson family has left an indelible mark on the university.
As Arkansas Tech embarks on a new chapter in its history, the university remains steadfast in its commitment to honoring the Tomlinson legacy. The preservation of artifacts, the permanent display of the Tomlinson cupola, and the dedication of the Tomlinson family to Arkansas Tech serve as a reminder that the bonds forged through education and community transcend time and distance.