Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Northwestern State University Breaks Ground on New Academic Building

  • By Matt Jones
  • 03/16/23

Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, La., recently celebrated a groundbreaking ceremony for a new academic building named after a former university president. Alost Hall will measure in at 73,200 square feet and feature multipurpose classrooms for a wide variety of academic disciplines, according to a university news release. The total cost of the project is $44 million.

“It is incredibly significant for everybody, and for students that are not even on campus yet, students who are not even born yet. They are going to benefit from this investment, so in a very real way, this groundbreaking is a testament to the work that we have all done collectively to invest again in higher education,” said Louisiana Gov. Jon Bel Edwards at the ceremony. “Education is the engine for economic growth and diversification. It is the key to opportunity and prosperity for everybody.”

Amenities in the new facility will include simulation laboratories for nursing and anesthesia programs; a clinic and training area for social work and psychology students; twelve 30-person classrooms; two 40-person classrooms; three 50-person classrooms; and space for 60 offices and an administrative office area, as well as a large conference room and reception area.

“Today, we gather to celebrate the start of a new chapter in the lift of our institution as we begin construction of the state-of-the-art building that will serve as the hub of innovation, collaboration, and learning for generations of students, faculty, and staff to come,” said NSU President Dr. Marcus Jones. “This groundbreaking is a testament to the unwavering commitment of excellence in education, research, and service to our community.”

Local news reports that the new facility will replace John S. Kyser Hall, the largest building on campus, which was built in 1968.

About the Author

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

Featured

  • Bradley Company Highlights Hygiene Tips for Global Handwashing Day

    In honor of Global Handwashing Day on October 15, commercial washrooms and emergency safety solutions provider Bradley Company recently released the results of its 2026 Healthy Handwashing Survey. The findings indicate simple, practical steps that facilities managers can take to encourage good hygiene on campus.

  • Wenger Names New Vice President of Sales for Performing Arts, Controls

    Wenger Corporation, which provides products and solutions for music and theater education, performing arts and athletic storage, recently announced the hiring of a new Vice President of Sales for Performing Arts and Controls.

  • California District Opens New Robotics Center

    The Fremont Union High School District (FUHSD) in Cupertino, Calif., recently held a Grand Opening ceremony for a new, district-wide Robotics Center, according to a news release. The 14,500-square-foot facility was designed by Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA); Landmark Constructors served as the builder and Blach Construction as general construction manager.

  • Construction Begins on 100+ Acre K–12 Campus Designed for Lakota Culture

    The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe (CRST) and the Cheyenne-Eagle Butte School District in Eagle Butte, S.D., recently broke ground on a new K–12 campus that will cover more than 100 acres and serve students and families across 1,600 square miles, according to a news release.