SAU Board of Trustees Approve Bond for Construction of a Student Activity and Recreation Center and Improvements of Academic and Administrative Facilities

The Southern Arkansas University board of trustees has approved a bond not to exceed $6.5 million for the construction of a student activity and recreation center and improvements of academic and administrative facilities.
While it is still being decided what all the student and activity recreation center will contain, $4 million of the bond is being earmarked for this project. The other monies will go to various projects on campus, including renovations in Overstreet Hall and a facelift for Wilson Hall, as well as the replacement of air conditioning units in that building.
According to Dr. Donna Allen, vice president of student affairs, students have been discussing with administrators the need for an improved activity and recreation center for more than a year.
“In 2006-07 the Student Government Association administered a survey of the student body resulting in 93 percent being in favor of the construction of a recreation center and fee increase to support the project,” Allen said. “The administration and students will research recreation centers on other campuses.”
An important part of understanding the project funding is understanding which groups are paying for what, said SAU President Dr. David Rankin.
“A student fee will finance the activity and recreation center and facility fees will finance the other infrastructure needs,” Rankin said.
The board made their unanimous decision during a conference call Wednesday afternoon. The matter now goes to the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating board for approval Friday.
“If approved, SAU will begin receiving funds in mid-June and will begin talking with an architect,” said Darrell Morrison, vice president of financial services.” The project could take six to nine months of planning and another 15 to 18 months to complete.”