Mississippi Valley State University officials, faculty, staff and supporters broke ground Wednesday for two new campus residence halls.
The price tag for the new men's dormitory and new women's dormitory is an estimated $10.4 million. They are the first residential housing projects in more than 35 years on the 57-year-old campus.
At the ceremony, Jessie Stephney, College Board facilities services manager, congratulated President Lester Newman and others for developing quality facilities at MVSU.
Stephney was followed by state Sen. David Jordan, who passionately chided the College Board for not sending more money to the institution.
"I wish somebody from the (College) Board was here so I could speak to them directly," he said. "Right now, we're not getting our share of the pie."
State Rep. Willie Perkins said he declared the day as the "death date" for disharmony on campus.
Newman said MVSU is striving to ensure optimal living, learning and working environments for students. The purpose of the university is to educate students, he said.
The university does more with less than any institution in the system, Newman said.
An important aspect of the joint project is that funding is self-generated, said Debbie Montgomery, public relations director. The university is using tax-exempt public bonds guaranteed by school revenues such as student housing fees, parking fees and library fees, she said.
Each residence hall will contain a learning center, computer lab and 50 rooms with private baths and Internet capabilities.
The projects began more than a month ago. There is not yet a projected date of completion, Montgomery said. Billes Architects in association with Dale and Associates, Architects P.A. designed the projects. Carothers Construction Inc. is the contractor.
Other construction projects, such as a science and technology building and academic skills building, are currently under way at MVSU.
A men's dormitory and an administrative building are also being renovated, and new water and sewer lines are being put in place.
