William Woods University

10/25/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/25/2024 09:12

William Woods officially breaks ground on new campus residence hall construction

Addition comes as the University continues to see record, historic new student enrollment

Fulton, MO - William Woods University (WWU) President Dr. Jeremy Moreland joined the University's leadership team; members of the Board of Trustees; students, faculty and staff and community leaders in officially breaking ground for the construction of a new student residence hall. The new facility, located just inside the University's North entrance next to the North Campus Athletic Complex, will be the first new residence hall built on campus in a two decades.

"Nothing signifies growth and vitality at a university than the presence of heavy construction equipment on campus, which is becoming a pretty common sight lately here at The Woods," said President Moreland today at the ceremony. "With growth in new student enrollment at historic, unprecedented levels, the need for new housing and other campus improvements at William Woods is pressing, and we are only too excited to see these needed facilities go up."

North campus residence hall groundbreaking ceremony

In August, WWU announced the largest incoming class in the University's 154-year history for the second consecutive year, with 556 new students enrolling at The Woods, including 368 residential students. Overall undergraduate enrollment at the University since 2022 now constitutes the largest three-year period of growth in William Woods history.

Construction on the new three story residence hall, which will house 200 students, actually began before Fall semester classes began in August; today's groundbreaking ceremony was delayed until now to allow the entire campus community to take part. The new facility is expected to be completed and ready for occupancy in time for the Fall 2025 semester.

North campus residence hall groundbreaking ceremony

The new residence hall is also the second major construction project initiated this year at the University's North campus entrance. Last month, William Woods completed its new North Campus Athletic Complex, a refurbished athletic complex complete with a new press box, bleachers, locker rooms and a field turf playing surface to house the Owls' football, flag football, soccer and lacrosse teams. The University is competing in men's intercollegiate football and women's flag football for the first time in school history this year, while lacrosse will begin play next year.

"Across the board, whether it is in enrollment, academic or athletic opportunities, we are pursuing our mission and growing as a University like never before," added President Moreland. "It is truly an exciting time to be an Owl!"