By Lucas Johnson
NASHVILLE, TN (TSU News Service) —Tennessee State University students will soon be able to enjoy a state-of-the-art Health Sciences Building that’s among new construction projects on campus.
“The new projects are part of a long-term plan to improve academic programs and increase our residence hall inventory, while enhancing the overall status of the university,” said TSU President Glenda Glover.
“We are extremely excited about the future and the new look our campus will take on with the construction. It’s been a long time coming for our students, faculty, staff and alumni.”
The Health Sciences Building, estimated at $38.3 million with classrooms and spaces for clinical simulations, is scheduled to open in late November. A 700-bed residence hall estimated at $75.2 million, and expected to be completed in about 18 months, is under construction in the open space between Watson Hall and the Performing Arts Center. Other projects soon to be started are the Gateway Arch, Alumni House and Welcome Center, and a Field Research Organic Laboratory.
Dr. Curtis Johnson, TSU’s chief of staff and associate vice president for administration, said the construction projects are intended to enhance students’ living and improve their learning environment. He said although campus may look different with all of the projects going on, students are generally excited to see positive changes around them, especially in infrastructure and the future of the university.
“It is always good when the student can say, ‘I remember what it used to be but it is better now.’ That is what we are trying to make – a better TSU,” said Johnson.