$500,000 Gift Paves the Way for Concrete Research at the U of A

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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The Oklahoma/Arkansas chapter of the American Concrete Pavement Association pledged $500,000 to the Department of Civil Engineering in the College of Engineering at the University of Arkansas. The organization’s gift supports Campaign Arkansas, the university’s $1.25 billion capital campaign to advance academic opportunity.

“This transformational gift represents a major commitment to support our continuing studies on concrete pavements,” said Cameron Murray, assistant professor in the Department of Civil Engineering. “With this gift, the U of A will become a national leader in the field of concrete pavement research.”

The Oklahoma/Arkansas Chapter, American Concrete Pavement Association Fund will provide financial support for concrete pavement initiatives, research and related activities in the Department of Civil Engineering.

“Most people do not think there is much science to a concrete pavement, but in reality, this area of civil engineering is becoming more advanced and more complex,” Murray said. “With this gift, we can help the state of Arkansas stay at the forefront of high quality, long-lasting concrete pavement construction.

“Over the past 20 years, there has been high-quality concrete materials research performed at the University of Arkansas,” he added. “Thanks to this work, the U of A has developed a reputation in the regional concrete industry as a leader in this area. These efforts have led to this tremendous gift from the ACPA to support concrete initiatives.

“When designed correctly, Portland cement concrete pavements are long-lasting, durable and strong. This gift will allow researchers in our laboratory to improve the cost-effectiveness and quality of concrete pavements in this state and around the country. I am personally very excited to plan the future work this generous gift will enable.”

The Oklahoma/Arkansas Chapter of the ACPA is a non-profit organization representing the concrete paving industry in Oklahoma and Arkansas. The chapter is recognized by highway officials, engineers, contractors and paving experts as the state voice for the concrete paving industry. The organization’s membership includes contractors, materials suppliers, equipment manufacturers and other firms providing essential services to the concrete paving industry.

“The Oklahoma/Arkansas Chapter of ACPA is proud to be able to support the University of Arkansas Department of Civil Engineering through this $500,000 gift,” said Alan Meadors, Arkansas promotional director of ACPA. “These funds will be used to support students interested in concrete pavement materials and construction and advance concrete initiatives in Arkansas.”

About Campaign Arkansas: Campaign Arkansas is the ongoing capital campaign for the University of Arkansas to raise private gift support for the university’s academic mission and other key priorities. The campaign’s goal is to raise $1.25 billion to support academic and need-based scholarships, technology enhancements, new and renovated facilities, undergraduate, graduate and faculty research, study abroad opportunities and other innovative programs. The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in a wide spectrum of disciplines as it works to fulfill its public land-grant mission to serve Arkansas and beyond as a partner, resource and catalyst.

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among only 2 percent of universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.