Construction, Renovation Launched on DeLand Campus

Stetson University David and Vera Lea Rinker Welcome Center 270
Stetson University David and Vera Lea Rinker Welcome Center
Artist’s rendering of the new Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Welcome Center.

New construction and major renovations are underway at Stetson University’s DeLand campus as the university moves forward with its Comprehensive Campus Plan adopted by the Board of Trustees in 2014. The plan will improve the campus experience for current and future students, parents, alumni and visitors to the university.

“There are several projects on our agenda,” said Albert Allen, associate vice president for Facilities Management, “but four will make the most impact for our students and alumni.” Those projects include construction of a new welcome center, major renovations to the Carlton Union Building (CUB), construction of the Hollis Family Student Success Center, and renovation of several student residence halls.

Other changes scheduled for July include the temporary relocation of the Print Shop to Fraternity House D until the new space in the former Stepp Office Supply building is ready. The Print Shop building was demolished today to make room for parking areas and the welcome center.

Also in July and early August, construction crews will be relocating utilities, installing new utilities, installing safety fencing as needed, removing and/or relocating landscape material and the irrigation system, and installing an underground storm water collection chamber. Throughout the construction and renovations sidewalks may be temporarily closed and foot traffic patterns will have to change for the safety of those on campus as well as in the construction areas. Additional details of the new construction and renovations follow.

Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Welcome Center

A new, three-story, 24,000 square-foot structure in the middle of Stetson’s historic district will welcome prospective students and their parents to campus, assist current students and welcome alumni back to campus. Site work and a parking area for the building is scheduled to be completed in early fall, with construction continuing through the fall and spring semesters.

The first floor will include a reception desk, waiting areas, presentation rooms where visitors can learn about the academic programs at Stetson, interview rooms where admission counselors can meet with prospective students and their families, and space for alumni to gather when they return to campus. The second floor will include the “One Stop” service area where representatives from Student Financial Planning, and offices of the Registrar and Bursar can assist students in handling several critical issues at one location.

The second floor also accommodates Career and Professional Services for current students as they prepare for their careers and returning alumni who may be in need of additional services. The third floor will be home to the Recruiting Operations Center where potential Stetson students can be helped through the recruitment and admissions processes.

Carlton Union Building

After renovations, the current 57,000 square foot CUB will be expanded by 40 percent to approximately 80,000 square feet, and feature new roofs, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, lighting and electrical systems.

The first floor will see an all-new student dining area complete with new kitchen and serving areas, 40 percent more seating in the dining room, renovated restrooms and additional elevators.

The second floor will include office space for the Student Government Association (SGA), student clubs, and the Center for Community Engagement. The Cross Cultural Center (Tri-C) also will be housed there, along with additional Campus Life offices, activity areas for students, renovated radio station facilities and additional bathrooms.

The north wing of the CUB will feature a new retail center where students will find the Campus Bookstore, Convenience Store, Post Office and Copy Center. The east wing of the building will offer a patio dining area overlooking a beautiful green space for students, faculty and staff to enjoy a scenic view.

“We are grateful that we will now have these expansive facilities to encourage students to take the time and space they need to gather in small groups, study and feel like they own it. It will be the campus living room,” said Lua Hancock, Ed.D., vice provost for Campus Life and Student Success.

Hollis Family Student Success Center

Located on the second floor of the duPont-Ball Library, this newly renovated area will become the centralized academic support center. It will provide assistance with tutoring, coaching, and time management and testing skills that students need to graduate and successfully move forward in their careers.

Student Residences

Nearly 2,000 students live on Stetson’s DeLand campus. Since 2011 many improvements have been made to residence halls including renovated bathrooms, and upgraded bedrooms and cooling and heating systems. Renovations typically happen annually during the summer months.

“Since 2011, we have created a more pedestrian-friendly campus removing roadways in the center of campus, replacing them with bikeways and walkways,” said Allen. “Everything we are doing is to support the student experience. We are providing the Stetson community with a safer, cleaner, greener and more beautiful campus on which to learn, live, teach and work.”

The construction phase of the Campus Plan is expected to move forward over the next two and a half years. More updates and information about construction and renovation will be provided on Stetson Today as information becomes available.