As Columbia trustees examined campus facility requirements for the increase of program and enrollment, a Master Plan of the campus was developed for facilities to embrace necessary program needs for 225 basic degree students, 200 advanced degree students, and more than 2,000 participants in its Lifelong Learning program each year.
A Closer Look at Simons-Law
Examining the physical vision of the campus as defined by the program summary, it quickly became apparent that Simons-Law Residence Hall needed significant attention. Virtually beyond renovation due to modern building code requirements, planners soon realized that replacement of Simons-Law would require the construction of a new residence hall, ideally elsewhere on campus. The most significant space need on campus-to accommodate both the existing and envisioned student body-was new classrooms. An additional net area increase of 5,436 square feet suggested a conversion of Simons-Law for educational use.
The Campus Master Plan
The resulting solution to these issues holds transforming promise for our campus, for the seminary, and for the church. A new residence hall has been constructed adjacent to the athletic field. The 34,000-square-foot facility, which opened in summer 2009, efficiently organizes residential units to house a mix of single and married students and provides amenities for enhanced community life, including exercise, recreational, cooking, and other gathering spaces. The design incorporatse sustainable building practices and has earned LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) gold certification.
The Vernon S. Broyles, Jr., Leadership Center is now under construction. The new facility is located on the southeastern corner of the academic quadrangle and integrated with the Richards Center. This facility will integrate Columbia's learning model with the innovation that modern theological study requires to meet the emerging needs of the church. The new building will enhance community life as well as Columbia's ability to attract and recruit exceptional new students and faculty to serve Christ's ministry for decades to come.
Other Priorities:
The New Graduate Student Residence Hall
The New Leadership Center
Endowment for Student Support
Endowment for Faculty and Programs
The Annual Fund