UT Works On Summer Renovations, Expansions

University of Tampa regulars should expect even more on-campus construction this summer.

Apart from the work being done on UT's Martinez Sports Center, the university will break ground on several additional expansion and renovation projects throughout campus, giving both students and faculty a number of additional perks.

Meeting the demands of the 11 new faculty and instruction staff positions added for the Fall 2011 semester, several new faculty offices will be renovated around campus. Students can look forward to a new microbiology lab in the Cass Science Annex, along with a new electron microscope research lab in the Plant Hall science wing.

Offices, classrooms and lab spaces will face renovations in North Walker Hall, as well as in the 30,000-square-foot R.K. Bailey Arts Studios. The current nursing facilities in Walker Hall will be redesigned and expanded to include new classrooms, labs and assessment spaces while featuring updated equipment to support clinical learning and student skill development.

Even the Vaughn Center's Einstein Bros. Bagels will be upgraded for better service and food selection, and a new barbecue food venue will be added to the current seven dining stations in the Stadium Center food court. The 19,000-square-foot area already features a Italian and Mexican vendors, baked goods, sushi and ice cream, among other things.

"Students will benefit by living and learning in spaces that have been designed to maximize their educational experience with state of the art facilities and equipment which stimulate intellectual growth," says Rich Ogorek, VP for administration and finance. "As UT has grown in population, we have sought to intelligently grow our campus to provide students the academic and extracurricular facilities they need to be successful at UT and beyond."

Funding will come primarily from gifts, as well as other university resources.

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: Rick Ogorek, University of Tampa