Southern Arkansas University is holding a ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony at the future location of two new residence halls at noon on Friday, October 30, at SAU’s north entrance across the street from SAU’s track facilities.
The public is welcome to attend, and parking is available at the track.
The two new halls, named Magnolia and Columbia, each will house 132 students for a total addition of 264 beds on campus. Construction is starting as soon as possible as the project is scheduled to be complete around the start of the fall 2016 semester.
“Our students are so excited to be getting this additional new housing,” said Dr. Donna Allen, vice president for student affairs at SAU. “This will greatly enhance their co-curricular experiences at SAU!”
The SAU Board of Trustees approved on October 14 the University to move forward with construction of the approximately $12 million project.
“We have been bursting at the seams and we feel the time is right for new halls. They are essential parts to our future growth.” said SAU President Dr. Trey Berry.
SAU has experienced steady growth over the past decade, and became the fastest-growing university in Arkansas this fall with a 16.7% jump over last year’s record-setting enrollment. SAU University Housing was among the many record enrollment numbers posted this fall, with 1,605 students residing on campus.
