Buies Creek, N.C.-As the year draws to a close, the Campbell University footprint is changing. New construction projects, renovations, reconfigurations and additions are transforming the campus under the university’s seven-year Master Plan, the vision of Campbell administrators President Jerry M. Wallace and late Chancellor Dr. Norman Adrian Wiggins.
New Construction
Foremost on the list of new construction projects is the John W. Pope, Jr. Convocation Center which was completed in October.
“The facility has all we expected and more,” said Vice President for Business and Treasurer Jim Roberts.
Encompassing more than 106,000 square-feet, the structure serves as a sporting and cultural events venue for Harnett County. The 60-foot high Gilbert Craig Gore Arena boasts a seating capacity of approximately 5,000 with four concession areas and numerous concourses. A striking Sports Hall of Fame flanks the entrance to the Gore arena, and state-of-the-art weight room, fitness facilities, reception rooms and offices are located along the building’s perimeter.
Campbell has already hosted men’s and women’s basketball games and a fall formal in the new facility and, with the help of a 30-foot lighted tree and several miles of garland, the John W. Pope, Jr. Convocation Center also served as the site of the 2008 Christmas at Campbell festivities. A 500-car parking lot located behind the Convocation Center includes a significant number of handicap places.
The walls and roof are also up on the Robert and Anna Gardner Butler Chapel, located on the Academic Circle adjacent to the Taylor Hall of Religion. The chapel is expected to be completed in late spring 2009.
Food Service
A brand new student-friendly dining concept is being initiated at Shouse Dining Hall-fast food and take-out service. Located on Leslie Campbell Avenue in the men’s residential complex, Shouse was the most rational choice for this new food option. The first phase of the renovation, featuring take-out menu items is now complete and the second phase, with Papa John’s Pizza and Mexican food bars planned, is currently underway. The Shouse atmosphere will be casual with large screen television sets, comfortable booths and places for students to gather. In addition, the Wallace Student Center’s Oasis grill, another dining alternative, has undergone renovations to provide speedier service. The “Groc” convenience grocery store has also relocated from Murray to Sauls dormitory.
Main Street
“There are no poles in sight!” Roberts exclaimed in a report to the trustees about the cosmetic changes to Campbell’s Main Street. The light poles have been replaced by an underground electrical system and decorative street lights take their place. “What a wonderful change of view,” he said.
Roundabout
Construction continues on the roundabout at the intersection of Leslie Campbell Avenue, T.T. Lanier Street and Harmon Road. This road junction, which will allow traffic to enter in a one-way stream around a central island, is statistically safer than traditional intersections. The county is currently working on moving water and sewer lines in that area and Campbell has added lighting to make the crossing safer for students at night.
Campbell Hall of Science and Sauls Hall
Five laboratories in the Leslie Campbell Hall of Science received major renovations over the summer months. New lighting, floors, work benches, equipment hoods and other lab equipment has been installed. The third floor of Sauls Hall, a women’s dormitory, has also been renovated, creating two rooms per suite with a comfortable lounge area, renovated bathrooms and student rooms with new ceilings, lights, carpet, sheetrock and finishes. “The rooms are beautiful,” Roberts said.