Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

University of the Ozarks Starts Construction on New Residence Hall

  • By Matt Jones
  • 02/22/24

The University of the Ozarks in Clarksville, Ark., recently began construction on a new $27-million residence hall, according to a university news release. The facility will stand four stories tall, include space for 250 beds, and will cover 64,000 square feet. It’s scheduled to open in time for the beginning of the fall 2025 fall semester.

Funding comes from a tax-exempt bonds issuance for $24 million from Crews and Associates, as well as a loan from the Pearl M. and Julia J. Harmon Foundation for $3 million.

“The construction of our new residence hall exemplifies the unwavering commitment of our university to the success and well-being of our students,” said Gloria Arcia, Ed.D., executive vice president and CFO. “This project not only enhances campus life but also signifies a significant stride towards realizing our broader vision outlined in the campus master plan—fostering an environment where students can thrive and reach their fullest potential.”

The new residence hall will mainly serve first-year students, and it will be divided into 10 housing communities. Amenities include single- and double-occupancy rooms, a community kitchen, collaborative space, and common areas that double as shelter-in-place spaces. It will also include features like a gaming lounge, laundry rooms, an office for residential staff, and a professional staff apartment, the news release reports.

“My colleagues and I are incredibly excited about the construction of a new home for Ozarks’ future freshmen,” said Vice President for Student Success Dody Pelts. “The residential experience provides one of the most impactful learning opportunities in higher education. This design will encourage students to create lasting friendships, learn personal responsibility, and cultivate independence while living in a safe, inclusive environment. We are thrilled to be able to offer modernized accommodations for our students and can’t wait to welcome them into the Ozarks community.”

The university partnered with Credo Design Architects for the project’s design and Kinco Constructors, LLC, for its construction.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Harvard Announces Replacement Facility for Native American Program

    Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass., recently announced that construction will begin this spring on a new home for its Native American Program, according to university news. The 6,500-square-foot, all-electric building will stand three stories and serve as the central hub for the Harvard University Native American Program (HUNAP).

  • University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Launches New Emergency Communications System

    The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) recently deployed a new emergency notification and incident management system for its campus, according to a news release. The university partnered with 911Cellular to launch Safe@UTC, a smartphone app allowing university officials to communicate and respond during emergency situations.

  • Stanford Completes Construction on Graduate School of Education Facility

    Stanford University in Stanford, Calif., recently announced the end of construction on a new home for its Graduate School of Education, according to a news release. The university partnered with McCarthy Building Companies on the 160,000-square-foot project, which involved two major renovations and one new construction effort.

  • University of Arizona Approves New Residence Hall

    The Arizona Board of Regents recently approved plans for a new residence hall at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Ariz., according to a news release. The new facility is scheduled to open in fall 2028 and have the capacity for more than 1,200 students, enforcing a new university expectation that all first-year students live on campus.