02 Jun 2024 UACCM breaks ground on clock tower

Posted at 3:47 PMh in News by

On April 24, the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton (UACCM) broke ground on a new commemorative clock tower for the campus.

The clock tower will stand 45 feet tall on the west campus between the University Center and the Student Union. It will be visible not only throughout campus but also from many parts of the city and Interstate 40.

The base of the tower includes three steps, each with one of the institution’s previous names etched in the etched in the steps: Petit Jean Vo-Tech, Petit Jean Technical College and Petit Jean College. The college’s current name, the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton, will be displayed near the top of the tower. The top was designed to reflect and complement the design of the University Center and Library Complex.

The area around the base will include brick pavers with a short inscription selected by the donor that will be etched into each brick. Cornerstone plaques of various sizes of brick pavers are also available for naming opportunities. Individuals and businesses may purchase a paver soon.

The project is being developed by Ken Amburgy of SCM Architects and is funded in part by the UACCM Foundation. It will become a proud symbol of the institution’s rich history and bright future. 

Scott McKennon (from left), UACCM Foundation board member; Doug Cahill, UACCM Foundation board member; Allen Lipsmeyer, mayor of Morrilton; Lisa Willenberg, UACCM chancellor; J.T. Roberson, Centennial Bank commercial loan officer; Ken Amburgy, lead architect on the project for SCM Architects; and David Tanner, lead contractor on the project for J&D Construction.

The UACCM Foundation has raised private donations through a series of fundraising drives and events throughout the past decade to fund the project.

The commemorative clock tower initiative was first created in 2011 as part of the college’s then-approaching 50-year celebration. UACCM drafting students Julianne Razo and Jason Scruggs created potential designs in 2011, and the two students’ designs were selected by a campus-wide vote. The initial design sketches by the two were used to inspire the architect’s initial renderings of the tower.

UACCM is a two-year public college that offers a comprehensive curriculum of university-transfer and career-specific training programs, as well as adult education, workforce training and community outreach programs. The college’s commitment to excellence in learning and personal enrichment allows students to gain a strong academic foundation in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree or earn the credentials needed for high-wage, high-demand careers.