MAGNOLIA – Southern Arkansas University will mark the grand opening of the Mulerider Activity Center at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 23, on the MAC’s “Molly B. Court.” A light lunch will be provided, and remarks will begin at noon.
The MAC is the latest project to be completed in the University’s Blue and Gold Vision master plan. It consists of a complete exercise facility with cardiovascular and weight training equipment, a full basketball court, an indoor walking track, meeting rooms, and a smoothie bar. Students may also check out a variety of equipment for use outside of the MAC. Current SAU students use the facility at no additional cost while SAU faculty and staff are able to utilize the center for a per-semester fee.
The MAC is not open for use by the general public. Members of the public will continue to have access to the University’s Wellness Center located inside the W.T. Watson Athletic Center.
“The Mulerider Activity Center is an outstanding addition to the University campus as well as to the co-curricular offerings for our students,” said Dr. Donna Allen, vice president for student affairs. “This has been something that our students have wanted for years, and the response is overwhelming. In the first few weeks, over 800 students had completed the necessary paperwork for participation, and it is being utilized by a large number of students from opening until closing.”
Construction for the $5 million project was finance by a student fee-backed bond issue at the request of the Student Government Association.
“It is very satisfying to see something requested and voted on by the students, programmed by the students, and paid for by the students be such a fine addition to the Southern Arkansas University campus,” Allen said.
The public is invited to attend the grand opening ceremony and receive a tour of the facility.
