The new, 85-bed Burns-Harsh Hall is located on the north side of the Southern Arkansas University campus.
The Southern Arkansas University System Board of Trustees voted unanimously on Thursday to name a new residence hall on the Magnolia campus Burns-Harsh Hall.
The new hall, completed last week and constructed under the name of West Hall, has 85 beds for freshmen and is located next to the new Magnolia and Columbia halls on the north side of the campus.
Trustees approved a resolution stating that “Dr. Bob and Molly Burns and Mary Harsh have been friends and supporters of Southern Arkansas University and have made possible significant advances that would not otherwise have been possible.”
They are among the top tier of lifetime givers to SAU, highlights of their contributions including the endowment fund for the Reynolds Center, the Reception Center at Story Arena, scholarships enhanced by the Farmers Bank Distinguished Series, student travel, and other support.
“All have given of their time in service, formally and informally,” the resolution stated. “Dr. Burns has served on the SAU Board of Trustees, and both Mrs. Burns and Mrs. Harsh have served on the SAU Foundation Board. All have served on committees and have supported many special events and activities.”
The name of the new hall reflects their philanthropy, which “deserves the lasting recognition of the students, faculty, staff and this Board.”
SAU also completed another residence hall, the 55-bed Rudy and Sharon Eichenberger Hall, in time for this fall. It is intended for engineering students in the former skating rink on West University Street.
