Success is always a work in progress. Numerous building projects are underway on Faulkner’s campus which include the final phase of the College of Health Sciences, a bridge to the east campus, early stages of a concourse, and decorative security fencing. Major renovations have just been completed to Faulkner’s campuses in Huntsville and Mobile. Other new buildings and improvements are being planned as we develop a University Master Plan. When the university’s 5-Year Strategic Plan titled “Transforming Our Culture” was adopted by Faulkner’s Board of Trustees last year, the need for the comprehensive University Master Plan for future development and construction standards was adopted. Thanks to robust fundraising, the university has been making progress not only in the Master Plan’s development, but in specific project plans which will impact students for the next century.
An Academic Resource Center (ARC) building to replace the building currently housing the Gus Nichols Library collection is one of the most significant projects. It may soon become a reality thanks to ongoing contributions from the Faulkner family and the generosity of key anonymous donors. These gifts, which include the two largest donations in Faulkner University’s history, will ensure students have a state-of-the-art collaborative learning center.
The ARC building will include the Gus Nichols Library collection, student learning areas, collaborative learning spaces, academic coaching services, student technology services, virtual learning space, and much more. Plans are being designed to make additional space for needed laboratories as well has high-tech classrooms connecting virtually to Faulkner’s campuses in Mobile, Huntsville and Birmingham and beyond.
“This building will be used by students more than any other building on campus for at least the next 50 years.” said President Mitch Henry. “The next step is underway, and we have commissioned McKee and Associates Architects to develop designs and plans for the ARC which will have collaboration and input from faculty, students and staff.”
Until then, the old library building will be removed. Students have access to the library’s new outpost location in the former PNC Bank in front of campus where they have study areas, computer and copier access and additional resources. Once the ARC is completed, the library outpost will undergo further construction to transition it into a university welcome center or other needed use.
Another project that is much sought after is the construction of the bridge that will safely connect Faulkner’s main campus to the east campus that includes the College of Health Sciences and the Computer Science Department. Designs are completed and Newell Road Builders, Inc.’s construction of the bridge has begun off site at Murphy Bridge Company in Troy, Alabama. It will then be transported, delivered to Faulkner’s campus and reconstructed in place in June.
One item under the Master Plan that involves increased security of Faulkner’s Montgomery campus is the addition of decorative security fencing along the university’s perimeter. Faulkner received a grant award devoted to the construction of the fence along Atlanta Highway and Wares Ferry Road. Survey work has been completed and once designs have been approved, the work will be offered to contractors. The vision is to have a decorative metal fence in-between strong masonry columns. The University Church of Christ has agreed to pay for a section of matching fencing that will go in front of the church and connect to the university’s fencing along Atlanta Highway.
“We are very grateful for the elders and the members of the congregation of the University Church of Christ for their full support of this project,” Henry said. “I also want to commend our Vice President of Finance Joseph Vickery for his work in managing the grant and the effort he has put into this project.”
The third and final phase of construction of the College of Health Sciences is also included in the Master Plan and construction on that is underway and on schedule. Marshall Design-Build LLC, began a complete facelift of the front of the college’s exterior in October of 2023 to include large window openings. They will eventually begin reworking and landscaping the parking area.
Plans for the walkway concourse from the College of Health Sciences building across the connecting bridge to the main campus will incorporate outdoor eating areas, an outdoor assembly area, and expanded parking for Health Sciences and the main campus.
If you feel led to help in the progress of these projects or others, please consider a gift by visiting www.give.faulkner.edu.