University of the Ozarks adding freshman resident hall
CLARKSVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — The University of the Ozarks is adding a new freshman residence hall.
“As an international student, the hall that you’re in is like one of the most important things,” said Shanique Sinclair, a rising senior and an international student from Jamaica at the University of the Ozarks.
Northwest Arkansas and River Valley schools cancel after-school activities due to severe weather
For Sinclair, she sees college as a second home.
“It is going to be your home away from home for probably the entire four years that you’re here,” said Sinclair.
She’s not the only student who says deciding where you live plays a big role.
“As an athlete, you are with those guys all the time and a dorm is a key place for that,” said Britton Smith, sophomore and student-athlete at the University of the Ozarks.
The residence hall will have 250 beds, a community kitchen, improved bathroom areas, and 63,000 square feet. He says he has mixed feelings about the new hall.
“I heard talk freshman year that there might be a future new residence hall in the coming years. But yeah, I was kind of jealous a little bit,” said Smith.
He’s not the only one who says where you stay on campus can make or break the experience.
“It made me meet a lot of people, and make a lot of connections. It was really fun. It was enjoyable. It’s where I made a lot of long-lasting friendships,” said Ciara Boswell, a senior at the University of the Ozarks.
The project’s estimated budget is $27 million, with $3 million coming from Pearl M. and Julia J. Harmon Foundation. Each student says although they won’t experience it, they have high hopes for the addition to campus.
“It’s just such an overall team effort, but I think it will benefit our campus so much to have our freshmen in one residence hall and something that’s updated,” said Dody Pelts, vice president for student success at the University of the Ozarks.
According to Gloria Arcia, executive vice president and chief financial officer for the University of the Ozarks, construction started in February and should be finished by July 2025.
“We’ve been able to draw from our almost 200-year-old legacy, and moving forward, we feel that we’re strong and we’re gonna continue our commitment to our students for support. And, we’re gonna be here for many generations to come. We’re not going anywhere,” said Arcia.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24.
