As a university receives funding it is essential that the money is put towards projects that improve its campus. Southern University has done just that. Students on their way to class may notice the several construction areas for roads and buildings around campus. A project that is close to completion is a new lobby and studying area in T. H. Harris Hall. Vice Chancellor of Enrollment Management, Dr. Anthony T. Jackson, and Director of Title 3 Programs, Mr. Huey Lawson shared their thoughts on the planning and intentions behind the projects.
“The project started because when it was time for students to pay fees and registration, we had students stand in line. Students can go online and pay, but a lot of students like to come into the cashier’s office and pay to make sure that their stuff is taken care of, but they were standing in line outside,” explained Jackson
“The idea was, let’s give them a learning training area where it can be a direct line into the cashier’s office. All of it is about making the students comfortable in order to make sure they are registered,” finished Jackson.
“I’ve personally observed students in the building getting ready and transitioning for their English and philosophy classes. Students were sitting on the floor reading trying to get ready to plan. I said, this doesn’t make any sense and then it dawned on me, there’s not a lobby space in the building conducive to study,” explained Lawson.
“Students should have a place to study and focus. They also needed a space to collaborate because students learn better in teams. I think it’s everybody’s responsibility to help and lift each other. The idea behind it was, let’s clean up the courtyard and create a lobby space that would give kids a place to study between or even after classes,” states Lawson.
“Construction first began a little under a year ago and has cost two-million dollars. It was designed to enclose and renovate roughly four-thousand square feet of space. Hopefully, I see a lot of students using it. We’re excited about it,” finished Lawson.
With such great improvements coming it is hard to not be excited for the future of Southern’s campus. Does the construction peak the interest of students? Jalyn Christian, a junior, majoring in mass communications shares her thoughts.
“I thought that they were just remodeling the building because it was a little old. I think it’s a great addition to campus. There are other places to study besides the library, like Stewart and Pinchback, but it’s great to have more options. They should also remodel some classrooms. I know a lot of the classrooms have updated technology, but not really updated furniture,” explained Christian.
These improvements show that Southern is not only thinking about how the campus can be better but that the school is also willing to spend the money. Hopefully Southern can continue to make great strides and provide students with an even better campus.
