As enrollment increases, the Harding administration has made important decisions in order to have appropriate facilities to accommodate students and staff.
During this year several construction projects have taken place and some buildings have been remodeled.
As students returned from summer break, many construction and campus improvement projects were still taking place. These projects were planned to be ready before students arrived. However, many of them are now wrapping up.
“It was quite a push the last three weeks to get it done because I think we had 12 or 15 inches of rain in the middle of July to the first week of August. And we never had rain like that at this time of the year,” said Danny DeRamus, director of the physical resources department. “Those seven days that we missed really hurt us big time, especially on the outside, parking lots and that kind of thing.”
According to DeRamus, the construction of the new facility to house the nursing and the communication science and disorders programs was completed during the first week of classes.
The new apartments at Legacy Park are almost completed. A few minor details are still missing inside the apartments, but the efforts are now focusing on landscaping and sidewalks.
“I’ll love it when it’s all finished,” said Rachel Swindle, Legacy residence life coordinator. “Most people are trying to be really patient, and you know the students and the people who live over here know that it will be very nice when it’s done.”
On the men’s side, Allen dorm had some remodeling done over the summer. The remodeling included bathrooms and a new floor in the lobby, with more work being planned for over Christmas break.
There has also been extensive progress on the new women’s softball field which is located next to the baseball field. The team will begin playing games on the field in about a month.
One project that is taking place off-campus is the remodeling of an anatomy laboratory at the Physical Therapy building. According to DeRamus this is one of his team’s priorities. It is expected to be finished by Sept. 1.
While all of these construction projects are being executed and successfully completed, the physical resources department is also conducting an evaluation of the adjustments that are needed at the Pryor-England Science Building. These changes should begin in October.
DeRamus, a Harding alumnus and staff member for 30 years said that the construction projects have gradually increased throughout the years. As work continues around campus, the administration demonstrates commitment to provide quality facilities.
The completion of these projects will ensure the continued advancement of Harding University’s mission.
