A dedication ceremony was held on Friday, March 13, 2026, officially renaming the North Central Unit in Calico Rock, Arkansas, to the Benny Magness Unit. The event came following the December 2025 board meeting, in which the Arkansas Board of Corrections unanimously voted to rename the unit in honor of the former Board of Corrections Chairman.
Magness, who had been on the Board of Corrections since 1999, served as the Board Chair since 2003. At the time of his retirement on December 31, 2025, he was both the longest-serving member of a Corrections Board in the nation, as well as the longest-serving Chair of a Corrections Board in the nation.
Magness served under four Arkansas Governors, initially appointed to the Board by former Governor and current U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee. A native of Gassville, Arkansas, he has been instrumental in the growth and expansion of the Department of Corrections over the past 26 years.
Kevin Murphy, retired ACC Director and current AACET President, spoke about the growth of the Department under Mr. Magness’ leadership. Mr. Murphy then honored Mrs. Magness and thanked her for her support during Mr. Magness’ time as Chairman.
Former ACC Director Kevin Murphy Speaking at the Benny Magness Unit Renaming Ceremony
Jack Fortner, retired Arkansas State Representative, gave a heartfelt speech during the ceremony. He thanked Mr. Magness not only for his service to the State but his friendship throughout the years.
Retired Arkansas State Representative Jack Fortner Speaking at the Benny Magness Unit Renaming Ceremony
Arkansas State Representative Jason Nazarenko spoke about his time working with Mr. Magness over the years. He told about Mr. Magness’ time within his law enforcement career and within his community. Mr. Nazarenko thanked Mr. Magness, and stated, “I would not be who I am today without Benny.”
Arkansas State Representative Jason Nazarenko Speaking at the Benny Magness Unit Renaming Ceremony
Dr. Mary L. Parker-Reed, a longtime Board of Corrections member, spoke on how far the unit being named after Mr. Magness has come since opening more than 30 years ago. She said, “There is no other person among us who deserves the honor of having this unit named after him more than Benny Magness…There is no one who has done more for this unit, or the State of Arkansas, or corrections than Benny.” She assured Mr. Magness that the unit will carry his name proudly.
Former BOC Member Dr. Mary L. Parker-Reed Speaking at the Benny Magness Unit Renaming Ceremony
Current Board of Corrections member Dr. William “Dubs” Byers then spoke about the many years serving along side Mr. Magness, and how much the people of Arkansas and the Department benefited from Mr. Magness’ expertise in the field. Dubs stated that Mr. Magness was dedicated and committed to the DOC, the AR DOC Family employees, and he always fought for what he thought was right. Current and former members of the Board of Corrections then presented Mr. Magness with an hourglass as a special gift.
BOC Member Dr. William “Dubs” Byers Speaking at the Benny Magness Unit Renaming Ceremony
Former ADC Director Larry B. Norris expressed how he always appreciated that Mr. Magness stood up for DOC staff and said, “if you were in the right, he would always have your back.” Mr. Norris stated that the unit was a special place, and it couldn’t have a better name than the Benny Magness Unit. Mr. Norris then presented Mr. Magness with an enlarged picture of the newly named unit.
Former ADC Director Larry B. Norris Speaking at the Benny Magness Unit Renaming Ceremony
ADC Director Dexter Payne spoke about the impact Mr. Magness has had on corrections in Arkansas. Director Payne stated that Mr. Magness understood that corrections was only about security, but its about programming, parole, and so much more. Director Payne said, “This unit now carries his (Benny Magness) name because of his values that he lived within these walls.” On behalf of ADC and AACET, Director Payne then present Mr. Magness with a symbolic key to the newly renamed unit.
ADC Director Dexter Payne Speaking at the Benny Magness Unit Renaming Ceremony
DOC Secretary Lindsay Wallace reiterated that for more than 26 years, Mr. Magness had been a constant presence with the DOC, and during that time, he had done everything he could think of to strengthen the Department. She said that Mr. Magness understood that a strong correctional system really depends on the people that are working in it, and she spoke about Mr. Magness fighting for better pay and support for staff because he knew it made a difference. On behalf of the DOC and AACET, Secretary Wallace presented Mr. Magness with a “larger-than-life” Department of Corrections badge with “Benny Magness Unit” engraved on it.
DOC Secretary Lindsay Wallace Speaking at the Benny Magness Unit Renaming Ceremony
Kevin Murphy presented Mr. Magness with a symbolic service weapon as a thank you to his many years of service to the Department.
Presentation by Kevin Murphy at the Benny Magness Unit Renaming Ceremony
During the ceremony’s closing remarks, Benny Magness expressed his gratitude to the Department and the AR DOC Family.
Remarks from Benny Magness at the Benny Magness Unit Renaming Ceremony
A ribbon cutting was held at the end of the ceremony.
Photos from the ceremony:
