From increased enrollment and major renovations to demolishing a Jackson landmark, Niles Reddick, vice provost, University of Memphis Lambuth, discusses the rebirth of the Jackson campus in a question and answer session with NewsTalk 101.5 FM.
Question: Can you give us an update on how the school has progressed since it became a four-year public school?
Answer: First, enrollment has increased dramatically since 2011 when there was one hundred plus students. Last fall, enrollment was at approximately 950.
Question: Renovations started as soon as the school became the University of Memphis Lambuth. What are some of the projects and the costs?
Answer: The University of Memphis has made significant improvements to the Lambuth campus since it began operations here. Facilities personnel shared the approximate investment:
Upgrades of life safety, $800,000; Handicap ADA upgrades, $200,000; Elevator upgrades and replacement, $1,500,000; Hyde Hall, renovation for Nursing, $2,000,000; Wilder classroom renovation, $800,000; Carney Johnson dormitory total renovation, $2,500,000; Recreation Center renovation, $200,000; HVAC replacements, $780,000; general building upgrades, $2,000,000. Total: $10,780,000.
Question: Your thoughts on the school’s return on investment – especially with the increase in enrollment.
Answer: Having a public university campus in Jackson that offers multiple undergraduate degrees, coupled with some graduate degrees offers citizens a first class public education without having to leave Jackson. Affordability combined with nationally ranked programs is incredible.
Question: What is the enrollment expected to be in the fall?
Answer: The Lambuth campus has grown every year it has been in operation. This year, we anticipate a modest growth rate, and believe that the headcount will exceed 1,000 students.
Question: How many full-time and part-time employees are on campus?
Answer: There are approximately 75 employees.
Question: Your thoughts on Jackson Walk Phase II on West Deaderick Street inching closer to the University of Memphis Lambuth campus.
Answer: The development of Jackson Walk’s next phase down Deaderick and Morgan Street is phenomenal and faculty, staff, and students are all excited. Jackson Walk is a major star in Jackson’s crown and assists us in recruiting first rate faculty, staff and students to the campus. Similarly, we hope that UofM Lambuth will also be a driver for the success of the redevelopment.
Question: Why was it decided that Epworth Hall would be demolished instead of renovated?
Answer: The lack of use, the deferred maintenance, and potential renovation costs are not realistic. Several contractors have shared that building a new facility would be much more realistic. Personally, I hate to see any historical building taken down, but I am appreciative of the ability to work with faculty, staff, alumni and others to incorporate the Epworth memory into the landscape and garden which will be designed for that space.
(PHOTO: Niles Reddick, vice provost, University of Memphis Lambuth)
David Thomas, Twitter – @DavidThomasWNWS
https://www.facebook.com/NewsTalk1015/
