Clary Pickleball Courts Dedication: Arkansas Tech University has opened the Clary Pickleball Courts on the Russellville campus. A ribbon cutting took place on Friday, June 27. The project expanded the pickleball area from one to two courts and added fencing. The Clary family funded the upgrades to support student health and recreation.
Event Background and Family Involvement
The new courts were named after the Clary family. Dr. Eldon Clary joined the Arkansas Tech University faculty in 1967. His son, Bill Clary, serves as chairman of the Arkansas Tech University Board of Trustees for 2025.
Bill Clary attended the dedication with his father, his wife Lorie Clary, their daughters Lizzy Clary Proctor and Emma Clary, and their son-in-law Bailey Proctor.
Supporting Student Wellness
Dr. Russell Jones, the Arkansas Tech University president, spoke about the importance of the project. “ATU wants to offer everything to its students, not just academics,” said Dr. Russell Jones. “We have great academic programs, but there’s more to being a university than just offering programs in the classroom. We want to offer recreational activities and health and wellness initiatives, and this is part of that. Pickleball is really growing in popularity. More and more people are playing it every day. We appreciate the Clary family for their donation. They have been very supportive of our campus, and it’s because of people like the Clarys that we’re able to offer facilities like this.”
Bill Clary shared why his family supports the university. “We’re glad to be a part of the Tech campus and the ATU community,” said Bill Clary. “Going to college is part of the experience of growing up and developing as a person. We believe in higher education as a family and what it means for social mobility, for family structure…for everything. We’re proud to be a part of the ongoing enjoyment of the Arkansas Tech experience.”
Impact and Future
The Clary Pickleball Courts will give Arkansas Tech University students and staff a place to play and stay active. The project highlights how private donations can help improve college life beyond academics.
News in Brief: Clary Pickleball Courts Dedication
Arkansas Tech University in Russellville opened the Clary Pickleball Courts on June 27. The Clary family funded the expansion from one to two courts. Leaders say the courts will support student wellness and recreation. The Clary family has a long history of helping the university grow.
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