Southern Arkansas University recently broke ground on the for a new residence hall and dedicated an existing hall in a ceremony attended by administration and city officials.
SAU President Dr. Trey Berry opened the groundbreaking ceremony Monday for Arkansas Hall and the dedication of the Burns-Harsh Hall by praising everyone's efforts to serve students while building on the relationship between the university and the local community.
"Many of our students come to SAU because it 'feels like home.' Today we are honored to be taking the first steps in providing an additional home for our students," Berry said. "This is an exciting day for Magnolia, as well. Studies show that an average college student at a university our size contributes $8,000 annually to the local economy. This means that in Arkansas Hall alone, our students will add $1.1 million each year to the Magnolia and Columbia County economy."
Attendees included the SAU Board of Trustees, representatives from the city of Magnolia and the SAU Alumni Association. He also praised the city for welcoming students from across Arkansas and around the world and thanked Mayor Parnell Vann for always being there for the university without hesitation.
Construction of the 132-bed Arkansas Hall will begin this July and is expected to be completed in July 2019. The board of trustees approved a $7.9 million bond proposal through the alumni association for construction of the hall.
Arkansas Hall will be built on the northwest side of campus, adjacent to the Magnolia and Columbia halls, and near the 85-bed Burns-Harsh Hall. SAU has seen an average growth of incoming freshmen of 105-120 annually living on campus over the past five years. Once Arkansas Hall is finished, the four new residence halls on the west part of campus will have a capacity of almost 500 students.
"Arkansas Hall is a great example of the partnership that exists between the SAU Alumni Association and the university," said Michael Woods, director of alumni relations. "We are very happy to be a part of Arkansas Hall and excited for the growth in enrollment and students living on campus that have led to the need for additional residence halls."
The Burns-Harsh Hall was also dedicated and named for Molly and Dr. Bob Burns and Mary Harsh, who have been friends and supporters of SAU and integral to many significant advances at the University. They are among the top tier of lifetime givers to SAU. Highlights of their contributions include the endowment fund for the Reynolds Center, the Reception Center at Story Arena, scholarships enhanced by the Farmers Bank Distinguished Series, student travel, and other support. The name of the hall reflects their philanthropy.
Harsh, Dr. and Mrs. Burns and other family members attended the ceremony. "Today was a fitting day to honor individuals and an extended family who have been transformational in the history of SAU since its founding," Berry said. "Mary Harsh and Bob and Molly Burns continue to change lives, and for that we are eternally grateful."
Those in attendance were then given a tour of the hall, which opened in the fall of 2017.