U.S. Senator Tom Cotton Visits U of A Administrators, Facilities

Photo by Russell Cothren

U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton with his parents, Avis and Len (on each side of the senator) visit with U of A administrators and researchers

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas U.S. Senator Tom Cotton visited the University of Arkansas Tuesday morning, June 30, as part of a day-long visit to Northwest, Arkansas.

The senator travelled with his parents, Len and Avis Cotton, both U of A alumni, as well as members of his staff. They met with U of A administrators and faculty, including Dan Ferritor, who will become interim chancellor on Aug. 1; Provost Ashok Saxena, vice chancellor for academic affairs; and Heather Nachtmann, associate dean of the College of Engineering.

The group met at the Administration Building, where Sen. Cotton was briefed on research being conducted on the next generation of infra-red imaging technology and regenerative bio-material that can be used to treat shoulder injuries.

The group then toured the Nanoscale Materials Science and Engineering Building and discussed the research being conducted there, including the Integrated High Efficiency, Light Weight Power Electronics and Photonics Project. 

“The University of Arkansas is at the top of their field in technological research and development,” said Sen. Cotton. “I am proud of the men and women involved in the important projects I saw today and the work they are doing to make Arkansas and America stronger and safer. I look forward to watching their continued success.” 

“The University of Arkansas is very honored and appreciative of Senator Cotton’s visit to our campus,” said Randy Massanelli, vice chancellor for governmental relations. “His interest and willingness to assist with the programs we run and research we conduct, particularly in the areas of defense, are a great support to our university, its students, and the men and women who serve in our armed forces.” 

Sen. Cotton ended his Northwest Arkansas tour at the grand opening of Tin Nghia Corporation's trade office in Bentonville. The U of A’s World Trade Center Arkansas played a role in bringing the Vietnamese company to Northwest Arkansas. Sen. Cotton took part in a ribbon cutting ceremony with Arkansas and Vietnamese officials. This is the first foreign-owned trade office to be located in Arkansas.