University of Arkansas in Fayetteville in Washington County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)

Ruth Cohoon

— Arkansas Difference Makers —

Photographed by Marc Hayot, July 12, 2026

1. Ruth Cohoon Marker

Inscription. The first Director of Women's Athletics, Ruth Cohoon was instrumental in laying the foundation for the growth and success of female student-athletes at the University of Arkansas. Cohoon began her career as a swimming instructor and advocated for the expansion of opportunities before Title IX was signed into law in June 1972. Elevated to Women's AD after Title IX passed, Cohoon guided the creation of the women's athletics department, integrating intramural and club teams. The vision of Cohoon helped shape the future of the university and created opportunites for thousands of future Razorbacks.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Sports • Women. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1972.

Location. 36° 4.157′ N, 94° 10.77′ W. Marker is in Fayetteville, Arkansas, in Washington County. It is in University of Arkansas. It can be reached from North Razorback Road (Route 300), on the right when traveling north. Ruth Cohoon's marker is located with the Arkansas Differnce Makers markers at the north entrance (near gate 10) of Donald W. Reynolds Stadium on the grounds of the University of Arkansas.

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Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fayetteville AR 72701, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Northwest Arkansas,

on the Ozark Plateau,

in the Cherokee Heritage Region,

and in Osage Territory.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Ozarks.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

the Louisiana Purchase,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Donald W. Reynolds (here, next to this marker); Frank Broyles (here, next to this marker); Bev Lewis (a few steps from this marker); Jackson T. Stephens (a few steps from this marker); Jon Richardson (a few steps from this marker); Dr. Frank Oldham Jr. (a few steps from this marker); The Jim Lindsey - Jim Williams Entry (a few steps from this marker); Orville Henry (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map

First Three Arkansas Difference Makers image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Marc Hayot, July 12, 2026

2. First Three Arkansas Difference Makers

of all markers in Fayetteville.

Regarding Ruth Cohoon. This marker is one of several markers umbrellaed under the "Arkansas Difference Makers," a list of people who made significant contributions to the University of Arkansas sports program.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 14, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 12, 2026, by Marc Hayot of Siloam Springs, Arkansas. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 12, 2026, by Marc Hayot of Siloam Springs, Arkansas. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.