University Information

Development of Physical Facilities

Since its founding, a significant investment has been made in physical facilities, presently valued at $225 million. A dramatic improvement in facilities has been accomplished since 1995.

A $4.1 million expansion of the University Center was completed in 1997. A $15.2 million Liberal Arts Center opened in fall 1999; a $4 million Recreation and Fitness Center opened in spring 2001; a $23.1 million Science and Education Center opened in summer 2003; and the new Rice Library, a $27.5 million project, opened in summer 2006. Four residence halls, constructed at a cost of $22.6 million, have been added since 1999, and a $1.5 million recreational building in student housing opened in fall 2008. Improvements also have been made to the spectator facilities in the Physical Activities Center and the outdoor athletic fields. The new $1.1 million Kenneth P. McCutchan Art Center and the Palmina F. and Stephen S. Pace Galleries will open in September 2008. Projects approved for funding and under design include a $31 million Business and Engineering Center, a $7.75 million expansion of the Recreation and Fitness Center, a $17.7 million expansion of the University Center, and a nearly $1 million Ceramics Center.

The University has no deferred maintenance issues and has adequate land for expansion. In 2007, the physical facilities master plan was updated.

Facilities

Major Facilities

Byron C. Wright Administration Building (1969)
Science Center (1969)
University Center (1974); expanded (1996 & 2010)
Technology Center (1975)
Physical Activities Center (1980)
Robert D. Orr Center (1990)
Frank F. McDonald Apartment Complex (1994)
Joseph E. O’Daniel Apartment Complex (1994)
Health Professions Center (1995)
Liberal Arts Center (1999)
Art Studio (1999)
Newman Hall (1999)
Governors Hall (2000)
Recreation and Fitness Center (2001); expanded (2009)
O’Bannon Hall (2001)
Science and Education Center (2003)
Ruston Hall (2004)
David L. Rice Library (2006)
Kenneth P. McCutchan Art Center/Palmina F. and Stephen S. Pace Galleries (2008)
Residence Life Community Center (2008)
Ceramics Studio (2009)
Business and Engineering Center (2010)

Additional Facilities

The Physical Plant Services Center houses the central power plant, maintenance shops, and offices.
The Support Services Building houses offices, maintenance shops, Procurement, Distribution Services, and Risk Management and Safety.
The Publishing Services Center is the location of copy center, creative assistance, news and photography, and printing.
The Children’s Center provides supervision of pre-school-age children of students and employees and allows education majors to work with young children.
The University Home, built entirely with private donations, was given to the University in 1983 by the USI Foundation. It is the residence for USI’s First Family and a center for hospitality.
The Administrative Services Annex is a temporary office complex.
The Security Office is located near the University Center.
Outdoor athletic and recreation facilities include tennis courts, athletic fields, Screaming Eagles Valley Complex, Broadway Recreational Complex, Bent Twig Outdoor Education Center, Westwood Lodge, Breckinridge Cabin, Grimes Haus, and Eicher Barn.
The USI Foundation is located on Clarke Lane near Schutte Road.