Strategic Priority 5: Housing and Construction
Goal 1: Expand Residence Life Options
Strategic Priority 5 focuses on expanding the university’s physical infrastructure to enhance the student experience and support future growth. Central to this initiative is the development of additional on-campus housing options, creating a more vibrant residential community that fosters student engagement, success, and retention. By increasing access to quality, affordable student housing, the university aims to strengthen campus life, promote a greater sense of belonging, and support students in achieving their academic and personal goals.
Objective: Complete and Implement Eagle Landing Housing
Strategy:
Construct Eagle Landing PHASE I - PHASE V to add over 700 beds for student housing
Measurement
- Each new Phase ready for use by respective fall move in dates according to the established timeline.
Timeline
- PHASE I and PHASE II - Fall 2025 (97 beds)
- PHASE III - Fall 2026 (up to 216 beds)
- PHASE IV – Fall 2027 (up to 216 beds)
- PHASE V - Fall 2028 (up to 216 beds)
Responsible Party
- CFO; Associate VP of Operations; Project Manager; Vice President for Student Life
Objective: Develop New Dining Facility Options for Campus and Area Community
Strategies:
Partner with Chartwells to construct a standalone carry out or dine in restaurant on Bringle Lake Village lawn
Measurement
- Completion of the restaurant.
Timeline
- Fall 2025
Responsible Party
- CFO; Assoc VP of Operations; Project Manager
Work with community partner to construct an indoor/outdoor dining facility on University Avenue
Measurement
- Dining facility completed
Timeline
- Spring 2027
Responsible Party
- CFO; Assoc VP of Operations; Project Manager
Build a large dining facility with multiple food vendor options
Measurement
- Food Court Completed
Timeline
- Fall 2029
Responsible Party
- CFO; Assoc VP of Operations; Project Manager
Goal 2: Expand Athletic Facilities
Goal 2 focuses on expanding the university’s athletic facilities to support the continued growth and competitiveness of its sports programs. Planned developments include the construction and enhancement of key venues such as a football stadium, tennis courts, baseball and softball fields, and a track and field complex. These investments will provide student-athletes with the resources they need to train and compete at a high level while also enriching the overall campus experience. Improved athletic facilities will serve as a source of pride, foster school spirit, and create new opportunities for community engagement and university visibility.
Objective: Provide Additional Spaces for Athletics to Compete On Campus
Strategies:
Construct athletic complex for tennis, baseball, and softball
Measurement
- Completion of athletic complex
Timeline
- Fall 2026
Responsible Party
- CFO; Associate VP of Operations; Project Manager; Vice President for University Advancement. Athletic Director
Build football practice field and track
Measurement
- Completion of practice field and track
Timeline
- Fall 2027
Responsible Party
- CFO; Associate VP of Operations; Project Manager; Vice President for University Advancement. Athletic Director
Construct football stadium
Measurement
- Completion of football stadium
Timeline
- Fall 2028
Responsible Party
- CFO; Associate VP of Operations; Project Manager; Vice President for University Advancement. Athletic Director
Goal 3: Open James C. Morriss Business, Engineering and Technology Building
Goal 3 focuses on the opening of the new James C. Morriss Business, Engineering, and Technology Building, a major milestone in the university’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation. This state-of-the-art facility will provide cutting-edge labs, collaborative learning spaces, and modern classrooms designed to support high-demand programs in engineering, technology, and related fields. By creating an environment that fosters hands-on learning, research, and industry partnerships, the new building will enhance the university’s ability to prepare students for careers in rapidly evolving technical fields and strengthen its role as a hub for regional workforce development.
Objective: Ensure Smooth Transition From Construction to Operational Use of the James C. Morriss Engineering and Technology Building
Strategies:
Develop facilities management plan, including technology support and maintenance protocols.
Measurement
- Completion and implementation of plan.
Timeline
- Fall 2025
Responsible Party
- CFO; Assoc VP Operations; Project Manager; Compliance
Train staff and faculty on new systems and resources.
Measurement
- Training completed.
Timeline
- Spring 2026
Responsible Party
- IT, Division Chairs; College Deans; Provost
Transition faculty and staff to building.
Measurement
- Move in completed.
Timeline
- Summer 2026
Responsible Party
- Compliance; Provost; College Deans; Division Chairs; Faculty
Hold a Ribbon Cutting to foster continued community interest.
Measurement
- Ceremony held.
Timeline
- Summer 2026
Responsible Party
- VP Advancement; Chief of Staff