Campus Construction Signals New Growth at Grambling State
GSU targets a new series of facility improvements opening Fall 2018
This summer Grambling State University’s campus is showing brick and mortar signs of the institution’s growth. From alumni giving to new Federal funding and record enrollment, the University’s seen steady momentum since the 2016 installment of its 10th President, Rick Gallot.
Most notably, the recent demolition of the C.D. Henry Natatorium began to make way for the school’s Intramural Center expansion project. The expanded Center, which currently houses more than 100 sports and health programs, will include a new pool and community programming areas.
“We’re seeing growth campus-wide, from our programs and research to the number of students,” said, Martin Lemelle, Jr., Chief Operating Officer for Grambling State University. “It’s exciting to see our facilities expanding to support our growing needs.”
The Intramural Expansion project is just one of a number of construction projects. In addition, the University’s Facilities team is managing a series of campus-wide improvements that will impact students starting Fall 2018.
The improvements include:
Computer Lab & Server Room Upgrades
Completions from January 2018 to December 2018
Computer labs, smart boards, and supporting infrastructure upgrades are in progress in a series of campus buildings including Carver Hall and Jacob T. Stewart Hall.
Campus Safety and Emergency Support Improvements
Completions March 2018 to February 2019
A joint project of the University’s facilities, information technology and safety departments is underway bringing new lighting, signage, security, and monitoring upgrades to the campus’ highest traffic areas. Buildings impacted include Charles P. Adams; Brown and Carver Halls; and the Betty E. Smith Nursing Building, which houses GSU’s new Bachelor of Science in Nursing program slated to kick off Fall 2018.
Smart Auditorium (Nursing Building)
Completion in 2019
The Betty E. Smith Nursing Building will receive a series of upgrades. They include new seating, audio/visual capabilities, and integrations with new smart presentation technology to better support some of GSU’s largest classes and events.
New Communications Video Conferencing Lab
Opening Fall 2018
Carver Hall, which houses a number of science courses, faculty, and programs, will serve as home to a fully-enabled new video conferencing lab. The upgrades will help power student learning and research engagement with NASA, FEMA, ESPN, and a number of other nationally funded grant programs.
Flood Restoration Projects
First Completions Coming Fall 2018
Woodson Hall, Adams Hall, and the Favrot Student Union bowling alley will see a number of large improvements bringing all three buildings fully online by Spring 2019. The renovated academic areas will provide learning spaces for students across three different colleges and more than 20 majors.
New Digital Library
Design & Strategy Complete, Winter 2018
The University’s highly anticipated digital library is on-track to complete its design phase this winter. Architects and designers are actively working with students, faculty, and staff to complete the facility’s strategy documents including site selection, space programming, and academic needs assessments. The facility will include new computer labs, expanded archives, and community programming space to serve the school’s growing student population and surrounding areas.
Campus Construction Funding – New Support for Grambling State
“We’re fortunate to see a diverse surge of support,” said President Rick Gallot. “From FEMA to our engaged alumni, we’re connecting with a record number of organizations and individuals stepping up to back our vision and plans.”
This most recent round of support includes more than $1.2 million dollars raised as a part of the University’s four-month “Bring it Home” campaign, which engaged alumni across the globe.
“What’s awesome about the GSU community is that we show up to support in a number of ways. From dollars to internships and volunteering, our supporters make big things happen,” said Marc Newman, Vice President of Institutional Advancement for Grambling State.
For more information on campus improvements and changes, follow Grambling1901 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
To invest in Grambling State University improvements, visit www.gram.edu/giving.