The ETSU community is having to say goodbye to the Campus Center building, which has been a part of the campus since 1951.
Demolition is set to occur in November 2023, and construction of the new, completed academic building is estimated to be at the end of 2025 or beginning of 2026.
ETSU Chief Operating Officer Jeremy Ross said that the decision to demolish the Campus Center was the result of the state of Tennessee’s assessment of the building.
Ross said the state will examine buildings on campus and score them on their condition and performance. He said they will look at things like roof condition, mechanical systems, layout, ADA compliance, code compliance, fire suppression systems and other criteria.
“When [the Campus Center building] went through that process, it was one of the lowest scoring buildings on campus,” said Ross.
While the ETSU community will mourn for the loss of a building with such rich campus history, the excitement and hope for the future of campus seems to outweigh the grief.
“I think overall it is very exciting to think about the growth of the university,” said Jamie Sproles, ETSU’s director of learning support in reading, part of the Department of Communication and Performance, which used to be housed in the Campus Center. “I think our department views this as an opportunity to grow ourselves.”
Ross shared the current plan is to replace the Campus Center with a completely state-of-the-art academic building dedicated to general education classes.
The new academic building will only house classrooms, labs and collaboration areas for faculty and student interactions; these collaboration areas are what Ross is most excited for. He hopes these areas will increase faculty and student interaction, and therefore build stronger faculty student relationships.
“This project reimagines what a faculty office is for many,” Ross said.
The new building’s dedication to the general education classes is also a highlight, as these classrooms will house the highest volume of ETSU students.
“Our department plays a very integral role on this campus,” Sproles said. “We see just about every single student on this campus in our gen-ed classrooms.”
Sproles has high hopes that the new building will have some sort of speech lab for students to utilize in their communications classes; she also hopes the renovated space will increase visibility and professionalism in her department.
Sproles has no concerns for the operations and efficiency of her department as they navigate the demolition and eventual move to Burleson Hall. The department’s first move will be to the third floor of the Sherrod Library, and that they will remain in that space for at least a year. Once Lamb Hall is completed, her department’s offices will be moving to Burleson Hall.
“I hope that students will still come seek us out and know that we are here and available for them,” mentioned Sproles.
Ross stated students can expect disruptions similar to those experienced due to renovations at Lamb Hall: fencing, excavation areas and construction noise. He is optimistic that the recent renovations at Lamb Hall will prepare the ETSU campus to navigate the coming demolition of the Campus Center building–especially because the updated space is much needed for first-year students.
“ETSU’s invested a lot, and the state has, in buildings across campus in the last 10 years,” said Ross. “However, spaces where first-year students attend class are the most pressing need on this campus.”
Ross hopes the new academic space for students will create a positive environment and will impact retention rates.
“I hope it sends a message to not just the students we have, but future students,” Ross said. “I hope it validates our mission to serve undergraduate students.”
For more information on the history of the campus center building, visit: www.youtube.com/watch?v=2q_eSMfF1ZE.
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