Not even a changing of guards altered one of Dixie State University’s most continuous aspects: renovations.
Major campus additions since university status arrived became symbols of DSU’s progression upon completion — the Jeffrey R. Holland Centennial Commons and University Clock Tower, especially. But the slate of projects from summer break polished Dixie’s ever-changing face rather than transfiguring it.
Sherry Ruesch, campus services executive director, said although a change in leadership like Richard “Biff” Williams assuming the role of DSU president has large implications on campus, all planned renovations have stayed on course.
“Most of those were well underway under the direction of Nadauld … so all summer we were just business as usual,” she said.
And that business included putting finishing touches on features like the University Clock Tower, which still needed concrete work finished when commemorated spring semester, and upgrading older buildings on campus.
However, changes to both campus parking and a field for student use will impact students the most, Facilities Planning Director Jon Gibb said.
Ruesch said 400 South now includes 52 new stalls for street parking. All parking there is first-come, first-serve. All stalls on campus through streets — 300 South, 400 South and 800 East — require a DSU parking permit.
As far as new rec space for intramural leagues and students’ leisure in general, the lower Encampment Mall is blocked as new hybrid Bermuda grass begins to sprout. Gibb said in mid- to late-September students can use the field, and once lighted, its convenience will benefit intramurals and other DSU-held activities.
Gibb said both the North Instructional Building and newly-renamed Performance Arts Building received numerous facelifts this summer.
The NIB’s four restrooms, faculty break room and offices underwent remodeling. New touches in classrooms, like curtains and paint, helped achieve “a fresh feeling for the faculty, staff and students,” Gibb said.
Formerly the Education and Family Studies Building, the Performance Arts Building’s new purpose meant it needed numerous renovations too, he said.
The PAB, which used to house elementary education and family studies primarily, now includes mainly dance classes. So campus services turned old offices into practice rooms, equipped with sound panels.
In addition, Gibb said two major, anticipated projects’ planning stages continue. The Burns Arena office expansion is being designed. Expect construction to commence this winter and wrap up by fall 2015, he said.
A new health/wellness building on campus remains a top priority. However, Gibb said as administrators still look for funding avenues, a date for approval of the building is still unclear.
Gibb said other future plans include fire lane replacement, installation of an ADA ramp between Edward H. and Idonna E. Snow Science Center and Science Building, and upgrades to the North Plaza after a sprinkler line broke earlier this summer.
