Construction Update: Student Center
Construction of a new Student Center is progressing well at William Carey University’s Hattiesburg campus.
WCU broke ground for the building in spring 2019 at the former location of old Tatum Court. A year later, exterior work is nearing its final stages as construction crews move inside to erect interior walls, cabinets and partitions. The next phase will include painting, plumbing and lighting fixtures and finishes.
And while the COVID-19 pandemic has caused some delays, WCU officials said the building should be completed by the new year.
The Student Center is part of the university’s long-range plan to accommodate enrollment growth. Since Dr. Tommy King became president of WCU in 2007, enrollment has doubled, from 2,500 students to more than 5,000 students.
“We felt it was important for our students to have a space where they can be comfortable between classes. Sometimes they need a break to come and have something to drink, maybe charge their cell phones or just relax. We’ll have events and activities for them, but this will be their place,” said Valerie Bridgeforth, WCU’s vice president for student support.
“There’s a lot of excitement from our student body about having this new building on campus, and the students are really looking forward to it when they are able to return in a safe manner.”
Here’s a look at some of the Student Center’s features:
1st Floor:- Large activity/event space with catering kitchen
- Baptist Student Union meeting space, offices and workroom
- Information Technology offices and storage
2nd Floor:- Student recreation center
- Diner/Grill
- Large, partially covered patio
- Student lounge
- Commuter student lounge
- International student lounge
3rd Floor:- Large business center
- Computer lab
- Group study rooms
- Student Services offices, conference room and workroom
- Resident Life offices and workroom
