Written by Jenna Sampson
As a freshman, everything I experience at Harding is new to me. I don’t know what campus life was like here before last semester, but in the near future, it could be different for all of us.
On Monday, Jan. 25, Dr. David Burks announced a few big changes Harding’s campus will be undergoing in the next five years. The reactions of students were noted in the chapel service when these announcements were made, and the proposed changes seems to be a change for the better.
This summer, the freshman women’s dorm, Sears, will be completely renovated. I live in Cathcart, and every time I visit friends in Sears, I am reminded to count my blessings (and check my air vents for mold). Of all the dorms on campus that need a makeover, Sears is definitely the top choice, followed by the men’s hall Allen. Built in 1989, Allen has been put through a lot in the past 21 years (even more since the Knights moved in).
Another change presented was a single chapel during the fall semester. Personally, I am very excited about being able to have one chapel year round. Not only will the singing sound better, but having all of the students worshipping God at once simply starts my day off better (although I do have to wait longer to get my chicken biscuit). Many of you may be asking “How are we going to fit all of the students in the Benson first semester?” Well, we add more seats.
Approximately 180 new seats will be constructed for the overflow of students. The question I find myself asking, is “Where are they going to go?!” The most logical place for these new seats to occupy is the break between the front and back sections on the first floor. But wouldn’t that just make getting to my chicken biscuit more difficult and tedious? Let’s hope they find another place to squeeze them in!
Also due for a facelift is the Mabee Business building. A new lobby and extension is scheduled for construction, which will not only add more classrooms, but will also give students a new place to study (or play board games).
Along with the record number of new students predicted to enroll at HU next fall, plenty of new vehicles will be arriving on campus as well. As of right now, finding a parking space even semi-close to your hall is a difficult task. But add in a few thousand more cars into the equation, and the spaces may have their own black market. Better find some more room soon!
Overall, the scheduled changes sound fantastic and will hopefully improve life here on campus. Although we may not see some of them while we’re attending Harding, I’m glad that I attend a school that makes sure that its students are happy with their surroundings.
