University of Memphis students living in Millington had a reasonto be happy about taking summer classes this year -- at least somewere closer to home.
The first phase of the renovation of the Millington NavalHospital is complete, and the Naval Support Activity grounds isholding classes this summer.
The entire project is 25 percent complete, said Bob Gaston, U ofM director of business development, and the second phase, whichwill mark the halfway point of the project, encompassing therenovation of approximately 40,000 square feet of the first floorof the hospital, is underway.
"We, just last week, received state building commission permitsto start renovating the first floor," said Dan Lattimore, vicepresident and dean of extended programs for The U of M.
Willis Hall, a former barracks on the Naval Support grounds, isthe first to be completed of the six buildings scheduled forrenovation. The building can accommodate about 1,000 students, isequipped with two computer labs and has 10 total classrooms, one ofwhich is named after Patriot Bank, the first business to donate tothe project.
The $25,000 donation from the bank is an important contribution,Gaston said.
"Since there is no (state) funding for the Millington project,donations like the $25,000 from Patriot Bank are very beneficialand necessary," he said.
In addition to any other private business contributions, The Uof M will foot the bill for the satellite campus. The entirerenovation should be finished in five to six years, saidLattimore.
"We are in the process now of getting the schematics (for thefirst floor of the hospital)," he said.
Once renovated, the hospital's first floor will accommodate3,000 students who will have exclusive access to wet labs, the onlysatellite campus to have that capability.
"The Millington Center will help prepare thousands of people forthe future by giving them the educational tools necessary to besuccessful in today's world," said Gaston. "The University ofMemphis -- Millington Center is very beneficial to our Universityand our students throughout West Tennessee."
The campus will provide students with higher education programsincluding business administration, educational leadership, liberalstudies and elementary education.
However, students won't be the only ones profiting from theadditional classrooms and research space.
"As we continue our phased-in renovation plan for the MillingtonCenter, it will provide more job opportunities for teachers whowant to work and live in the Millington area," Gaston said.
In December 2002, the state essentially donated the buildings toThe U of M on a 30-year forgivable lease, which means if thebuildings are used for educational purposes for 30 years, theybecome property of The University.
Willis Hall's grand opening will be held Sept. 16, along withthe grand opening of a recreation center that is now being used bythe YMCA for summer use.
