As the repairs on Normal and Regents halls and Cherry Hall renovations begin, several other construction projects are scheduled throughout the summer.
Chief Facilities Officer Bryan Russell provided the Herald with a list of projects across WKU’s campuses.
Elevators
According to Russell, the Department of Facilities Management (DFM) and Planning, Design and Construction will jointly manage the installation of an elevator in Gordon Wilson Hall.
“Project goal is to start construction summer FY26 (Fiscal Year 2026),” Russell said.
Honorary Student Government Association (SGA) member Kiersten Washington presented Resolution 2-25-S on Feb. 25 to support the installation of elevators in Gordon Wilson Hall. Washington is a wheelchair user and wrote the resolution after seeing she had a class on the third floor of Gordon Wilson Hall.
“I was like, ‘What do I do?’” Washington said to SGA.
The Faculty Senate supported SGA’s resolution in April, the Herald reported.
In addition to an elevator in Gordon Wilson Hall, Russell said there are plans to modernize two elevators in Cravens Library.
“Work scope includes replacing the following electronic and mechanical systems with new electronic controls, new hydraulic power unit (pump, motor, and controls), new door equipment, safeties, and new cab interiors,” Russell said.
Russell said the first elevator will be completed in September and the second in December.
Gordon Ford College of Business
The new Gordon Ford College of Business is set to open for the upcoming fall semester. The 131,000 square-foot project broke ground on June 14, 2023, and cost approximately $81 million, the Herald reported.
“Building is scheduled to be completed and open for the start of Fall Classes starting Monday, August 18, 2025,” Russell wrote.
Hilltopper Fieldhouse
Russell said he expects Hilltopper Fieldhouse to open sometime in October. The fieldhouse will offer indoor practice facilities to WKU football and baseball. The facility will also house teams not part of WKU Athletics.
“More than an athletics facility, the Fieldhouse also will provide unparalleled, technology-rich, indoor practice spaces for our Big Red Marching Band, our Esports teams, and our Forensics team,” said WKU President Timothy Caboni in a WKU News release.
Sidewalks
Sidewalks across campus will be periodically closed for repairs to address tripping hazards. The repairs are separated into three levels of priority determined by the DFM with input from the SGA.
“Each year, SGA schedules a safety walk with leadership,” Russell said. “During these safety walks any safety concern can be raised, sidewalks are one of the items that normally get pointed out by the group.”
Sidewalk repairs will be complete before the start of the fall semester, Russell said.
Jody Richards Hall
Jody Richards Hall will start the fall semester with a new 24-hour lab, Russell said. The 24-hour lab, nicknamed “the fishbowl lab,” closed in March 2024, according to the Herald.
The renovated space will be the new home of the walk-up IT desk TopperTech. It will also have collaborative areas, meeting spaces and study areas in addition to the computer work stations available before.
Preston Center and South Campus
According to Russell, the Raymond B. Preston Health & Activities Center pool will have new Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning equipment installed by the end of June. South Campus will have roofing maintenance completed at the end of July.
“These projects reflect WKU’s continued commitment to enhancing the campus environment, improving safety, and supporting accessibility and academic excellence,” Russell said.
