Murphy Oil Donates $10 Million for New Student Residence Hall and Baseball Stadium at South Arkansas College

South Arkansas College in El Dorado is set to undergo a major transformation thanks to a generous donation from Murphy Oil Co. The company has pledged $10 million to build a new student residence hall and baseball stadium on the college’s West Campus, connecting to downtown El Dorado.

The new student residence hall is expected to provide housing for about 100 students initially, with room for future expansion. The proposed location for the dormitory is south of the El Dorado Conference Center along West Avenue. Additionally, a new baseball stadium is planned for the southwest corner of Hillsboro Street and West Avenue, adding to the college’s athletic facilities.

The target date for the completion of these projects is fall 2026, with land already purchased for the developments. Stephanie Tully-Dartez, President of South Arkansas College, expressed excitement about the growth opportunities these new facilities will bring to the campus.

Beyond the Murphy Oil donation, the college is seeking additional funding sources, both private and public, to complete the financing for the projects. A capital campaign has been launched, offering naming rights for portions of the new facilities to potential supporters.

Murphy Oil’s commitment to higher education in El Dorado is evident through their continued support of the community. Despite relocating their headquarters to Houston, the company remains dedicated to investing in the future of South Arkansas College and its students.

CEO Roger W. Jenkins emphasized the long-term benefits of funding these capital projects, stating that they will have a lasting impact on both the college and the El Dorado community. With the support of Murphy Oil and other donors, South Arkansas College is poised for growth and success in the years to come.