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Carson-Newman University held a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday evening for the largest construction project in its history.

Several university leaders, elected officials, students and community members gathered on West Campus to celebrate the beginning of the construction of a new residence facility for school.

“What a tremendous day for Carson-Newman,” said University President Charles A. Fowler. “We are grateful to our campus family, community leaders and friends for joining us today in celebration of a new chapter in residence life for our students.

The 110,000 sq. feet residence facility, located adjacent to the Appalachian Commons student apartment’s complex, is slated to be complete in the fall of 2024 and will house 524 beds

The new residence facility will be connected by a two-story “Community Connector,” home to a large gathering and gaming space on the first floor which will have study space on the second floor.

A resident assistant will live on each floor of the housing facility and a residence director will be housed on site. The security features include keycard access and security cameras placed throughout the building.

“I especially would like to thank the Board of Trustees whose decisions regarding our strategic plan and 20-year master plan paved the way to consider this new residence life facility. We look forward to seeing this exciting project take form over the coming months and benefitting Carson-Newman students for years.”

Trustee and Chair of the Student Life Committee Patricia Wallace, explained the history of residence life on campus.

“Since its beginning Carson Newman has provided a home for its students,” Wallace said. “It would be hard for us to document every dorm and residence hall during our 172 year history.”

“First as Mossy Creek Missionary Baptist the Newman Dormitory one and two opened in 1857 as boarding halls. Its bricks were used to build the first Henderson Hall or ‘Young Ladies Home’ as it was recognized as. Room and board at Henderson during that time was $7.50 a month.”

Wallace moved forward 50 years and discussed newer construction on campus.

“In 1904 when Sarah Swan opened, young girls would work in the kitchen one week every 10 weeks to cover their room and board. Around the same time Davis Hall was built and was home to 80 students. It had all the modern amenities including indoor plumbing.

“The span from 1924 to 1964 saw the construction of several residence facilities that are still in use today. Since 1964 Carson Newman has only added room for 120 students a little more than 20 years ago.”

CNU Student Government President Derek Driskill discussed the importance of the groundbreaking ceremony and how it will impact the students.

“As an English Major I am often interested in the history and significance of words and I thought about the power behind the word Groundbreaking,” Driskill said. “Historically the word has been used to describe the celebration of a new venture and has served as thanks to those who made it possible.

“The idea of groundbreaking comes from the act of physically breaking the earth and preparing the land for a solid lasting foundation in which a building will be built on. There are many times in our lives where a groundbreaking occurs. For example when I came to Carson-Newman in 2020 I had no idea what God had planned for my life by bringing me here. But now as I reflect on my time here, I realize that God planned for me to attend Carson-Newman University so I could break the ground in my own life.”

Driskill explained how students can grow from a strong foundation and the support from university staff.

“A building is only strong as its foundation and we have the continued opportunity to be the strong foundation that allows the student body, both present and future, the ability to follow their dreams while also giving them the freedom and ability to create new one, figuratively breaking the ground of their own life each time.”

“I can confidently say this residence hall will be an incredible new addition to our campus and I am excited for all today’s groundbreaking that signifies the legacy of Carson-Newman.

Hong Tjoa, Board of Trustees chair, discussed the board’s perspective of the housing project.

“This groundbreaking ceremony is a culmination of countless hours of heavy lifting work from the Residence Life Task Team and our partner University Housing Solutions.” Tjoa said. “The board thanks the members of the task team for their hard work.

“When the Student Life and Finance Committee submitted their final recommendations to the board in January it was easy for us to approve the largest financial package for new construction on this campus in decades that will impact CNU’s future for years to come.

“Residence Life is just as important to our student’s life as any other experience they will have here at Carson-Newman. It is a priority to our students and their parents and therefore it is our priority as well.

“This over 500 bed facility can change the trajectory of student enrollment, retention and the future growth of this beautiful university.”