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

  • Year-Round Schools Require Year-Round Indoor Air Quality Planning

    While many schools are out for the summer, year-round schools follow a more “balanced” schedule with shorter, more frequent breaks spaced throughout the school year. Even though this offers educational benefits, these facilities have less downtime for building maintenance. This can become an issue when facilities managers overlook the importance of routine HVAC maintenance and air duct cleaning services.

  • UT-San Antonio Begins Residence Hall Renovations

    The University of Texas at San Antonio recently began a $6-million renovation project to one of its residence halls, according to a news release. Originally completed in 1986, Chisolm Hall measures in at 120,860 square feet and is the oldest and largest residence hall on campus.

  • Classical building columns display digital data streams

    The Campus Nervous System: Why Facilities Risk Is Now a Leadership Issue in Higher Education

    Facility performance now intersects with safety, compliance, on-campus experience, institutional reputation, and financial resilience. That places it firmly on the leadership agenda.

  • Tomball ISD Opens New Tomball West High School

    Tomball Independent School District in Tomball, Texas, recently celebrated the official opening of Tomball West High School, the district's third comprehensive high school, with a community ribbon-cutting ceremony, according to a district news release.