Edward Waters University completes renovation of historic building

Special to the Outlook

Faculty, staff and guests gathered recently for a ribbon-cutting ceremony that marked completion of renovation to the historic Hatcher-Stewart Science and Mathematics Building on the campus of Edward Waters University.

 The event marked the culmination of an 18-month undertaking to restore the 55-year-old building.

Hatcher-Stewart was constructed in 1969. It is the primary academic and instructional facility on campus, housing the most extensive collection of instructional classrooms, faculty offices, and STEM and computer laboratories. The renovation was completed at a cost of $1.6 million, providing a significant upgrade to the 25,000-square-foot academic facility.

“We are ecstatic to have completed this much-needed campus facilities improvement project for the direct benefit of our university community and especially our students and faculty,” said EWU President & CEO, A. Zachary Faison, Jr., Ph.D. “It is imperative that we maintain a teaching and learning environment that is conducive to supporting student’s academic success and the enhancement of our instructional spaces is paramount in that continuing effort.”

The following are some of the specific upgrades completed for the academic facility.

• Complete replacement of all flooring and lighting in building classrooms, laboratories, and common area hallways. 
• Painting of classrooms, laboratories, common area hallways, and replacement of all ceiling tiles throughout the facility.
• Installation of new exterior windows. 
• Provision of brand new computers and state-of-the-art technology in every computer lab. 
• Paving of a newly constructed parking lot specifically designated for university faculty.
• Comprehensive renovation of all building restroom facilities, including new flooring, painting, and fixtures. 
• Renovation of all faculty offices, including installation of new carpeting, lighting, and painting in all workspaces.
•  A new faculty lounge furnished with new appliances and furniture will also be constructed. 
• Installation of uniform lecture and desk-style classroom furniture for students, including new tables and chairs in select classrooms.
• Full refurbishment of building vestibule, including new painting, flooring, lighting, and furniture. 
• Installation of new common area seating for students and building patrons on the first and second floors. 

With the return of students for the spring semester, the faculty and staff at EWU are eager to move back into the recently renovated space and make use of the upgraded facilities. 

 “I think the upgraded building and new equipment will greatly benefit our academic success,” said Student Government Association Leader Travales Woodard. “We will spend a lot of time in this space, so I’m grateful for the President and the EWU family’s dedication to ensuring our campus is an up-to-date, comfortable, and efficient learning environment.”

After working at Hatcher-Stewart for 18 years, Professor of Biology, Anita Mandal eagerly anticipates returning to the new building with her students and adapting to the new environment.

“The faculty lounge looks really good, the bathrooms are nice and I am super excited to go back there and enjoy the new look,” Mandal said. “I never liked the carpet in my office and now it isn’t there. My office has a completely new look. I now have a window, that is a blessing to me, and the faculty lounge is just across the hall. The classrooms are all new too, yesterday I didn’t see much but the chairs and desks but I know it will all come together.”

During the event, Faison received accolades from fellow attendees, including Charles Spencer, a member of the Board of Trustees and Chair of the Buildings and Grounds Committee. 

Trustee Spencer expressed his admiration for Faison’s unwavering commitment to improving the University’s overall aesthetic and environment.

“I am thrilled to have been a part of such an exceptional event,” Spencer said. “The diligent scholars at Edward Waters University deserve the best available resources, and I commend President Faison and all involved parties for their efforts in continuously improving the campus facilities. The availability of high-quality facilities is crucial for our students to acquire vital skills and excel in their careers.”

The renovated building is now a state-of-the-art facility that provides an ideal learning environment for students. The upgrades completed have not only transformed the building’s interior and exterior but also enhanced the learning experience for students and faculty. The building’s new technology and equipment will contribute to students’ ability to achieve academic success, and the newly constructed parking lot and common area seating provide students and faculty with more convenience and comfort. 

The renovations have transformed Hatcher-Stewart into a modern facility that reflects the progressive values of Edward Waters University.