Knoxville Welcomes New Business Building at University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN – The University of Tennessee at Knoxville has officially kicked off construction on a brand-new building for its Haslam College of Business. This significant project, which costs $227 million, is set to replace the now-demolished Dunford, Greve, and Henson halls. The groundbreaking event took place on August 21, following the demolition that began on May 13, 2024.
A New Home for Business Students
The new facility will be the biggest building on the university’s campus, stretching over 243,800 square feet across five floors. It will feature a total of 18 classrooms, including two large auditoriums with room for 300 students each. Chris Plowman, the Chancellor of the university, expressed excitement about the building, saying it will offer a premier educational space right at the campus’s entrance, located near the corner of Volunteer Boulevard and Cumberland Avenue.
Designed for Future Growth
The design for the Haslam College building focuses on fostering collaboration among students, especially those in their freshman and sophomore years. In a statement, Assistant Dean Betsy Adams noted, “This lot that we received from the campus is just a perfect space for a big, beautiful building.” The intention is to create an appealing environment that can attract talented prospective students to one of the college’s many highly-regarded programs.
Facilities to Accommodate Growing Enrollment
Since Dean Stephen Mangum took the helm in 2013, enrollment in the college has doubled. The new facility aims to keep pace with this growth by providing expanded spaces that enhance the educational experience. In addition to classrooms, the building will house:
- A dedicated area for the college’s seven academic departments
- The Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- The Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research
- Research laboratories and meeting spaces
- Common areas and food service options
Future Prospects
The construction of this state-of-the-art building underlines the university’s commitment to evolving with the changing educational landscape. The facility is expected to be completed and ready for use by fall 2027. This timeline reflects the growing needs of the college, allowing for more students to be accommodated and equipped for their studies.
Community Impact
The overall project is not just about expanding buildings but also aims to enhance the community experience on campus. With improved facilities, university officials believe that it will lead to a more engaging and interactive environment for both students and faculty members. The strategic placement of the new building, along with the existing greenery surrounding it, was praised by various university representatives during the groundbreaking ceremony.
Conclusion
As the University of Tennessee progresses with this project, it sets a strong example of how educational institutions can adapt and grow to meet the demands of their students and the future workforce. The new Haslam College of Business building symbolizes a bright future for the university and its commitment to excellence in education.
