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

  • Abstract tech network data connections with orange, blue glowing dots, lines

    3 Trends for Higher Education to Stay Ahead of in 2026

    As universities enter the new year, the question is no longer whether digital transformation is necessary, but how quickly institutions can convert technological potential into strategic advantage.

  • Campus Safety Requires Using Every Resource Available

    Across the U.S., school and campus leaders are facing a security landscape that has changed dramatically over the past decade. Incidents on school property have increased in recent years, with several consecutive years setting record totals. According to analysis of data by CNN, dozens of shootings now occur on school grounds annually across K-12 and higher education environments.

  • Vanderbilt to Partner with ABM for Campus Preservation and Modernization

    Vanderbilt University recently announced that it has selected ABM Performance Solutions for a preservation and modernization project at its New York City campus, according to a news release. ABM will deliver its end-to-end ABM Performance Solutions (APS) model to manage critical operations during renovation and maintenance.

  • Photo credit - Chuck Coates

    Florida District Modernizes Central Energy Plants at Two High Schools

    Flagler Schools, a public school district in Flagler County, Fla., recently partnered with Matern Professional Engineering to modernize the central energy plants at two of its high schools, according to a news release. The project is part of a larger, district-wide effort to reduce energy costs and operational expenses.