These UNC System campuses just got board approval for new construction projects
College campuses across North Carolina are expanding with new degree programs, dorms and academic buildings.
After receiving historic funding from the state legislature last fall, the UNC System Board of Governors approved additional capital construction projects and more money for existing projects at its meeting Thursday.
New campus construction projects
The board approved nine new construction projects and authorized that more money be spent for 10 other projects at eight campuses.
These projects for residence halls, dining facilities, research buildings, athletic facilities, student health buildings and other campus facilities are funded by the institution and were not included in the state budget.
Fayetteville State University, North Carolina A&T State University, UNC-Chapel Hill and UNC Charlotte requested authorization for new construction projects.
NC A&T, North Carolina Central University, North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, UNC Charlotte, UNC Pembroke and Winston-Salem State University requested authorization for more money or to change the source of the money.
The projects range from roof replacements at NC A&T to locker room updates at UNC-CH and UNCC to a new business school at NCCU.
The board also approved construction projects requested by three campuses that were not included in the state budget and that require additional debt. NC A&T will build a new residence hall, and UNC Wilmington and Western Carolina University are buying student housing complexes that are already built.
These projects will cost about $250 million, which will be paid over time through housing receipts. They require the issuance of long-term debt, which needs legislative approval, and will add debt service fees for future students.
In April, the board approved three other campus projects that require a total debt authority of $105 million. They are a parking deck for the Holmes Convocation Center at Appalachian State University, a residence hall at Elizabeth City State University and the integrative sciences STEM building at N.C. State University.
The General Assembly will consider all of these projects during the 2022-23 legislative session.
Expanding campus engineering programs
In the most recent state budget, the legislature allocated $90 million for NC A&T, NC State and UNC Charlotte to invest in their engineering programs. The state also provided $35 million for curriculum improvements, research equipment and administration.
NC A&T will spend its $30 million portion to renovate and modernize engineering labs and offices and to create two new interdisciplinary engineering labs.
NCSU will spend $30 million to renovate research and engineering buildings, including Mann Hall.
UNC Charlotte will expand the Burson building by adding engineering labs, classrooms and collaborative spaces using this $30 million and about $26 million previously allocated by the state for repairs and renovations.
The board also approved the first round of campus repairs and renovations that were in the state budget.
Academic program changes
UNC Pembroke will have two new degree programs, a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity for Fall 2022 and a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy for Fall 2024.
UNC Charlotte will no longer offer a Bachelor of Science in Neurodiagnostics and Sleep Science beginning in Fall 2023.
The board also approved licenses for the Galen College of Nursing and Southeastern College-Charlotte to offer new nursing degrees.
Honoring faculty research
The board awarded NC A&T bioengineering professor Dr. Yeoheung Yun the 2022 Oliver Max Gardner Award. As the highest faculty award, it honors professors who have “made the greatest contribution to the welfare of the human race.”
Yun’s research has improved medical technology and innovations that give health care professionals better tools to develop drugs and study brain diseases, including Alzheimer’s.
UNC System President Peter Hans said Yun’s research is the first step in discovering more effective treatments.
“We are proud of his important advancements in science, and we congratulate him on his groundbreaking work,” Hans said.
Board leadership stays the same
Board members unanimously voted to re-elect Randy Ramsey as chair, Wendy Murphy as vice chair and Pearl Burris-Floyd as secretary of the board.
The next meeting is scheduled for July 20-12 at the UNC System Office in Chapel Hill.
This story was originally published May 26, 2022 at 2:01 PM with the headline "These UNC System campuses just got board approval for new construction projects."
