A dedication ceremony was held for the University Village B apartments at Rogers State University on Monday, Sept. 19.
Speaking at the dedication ceremony were Dr. John M. Bell, chairman of the University of Oklahoma Board of Regents, Julie K. Carson, chair of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, Dr. Larry Rice, RSU president, Kyla Short, director of RSU residential life, Rickey Paul Ward, RSU Student Government Association president, and Kylie Dent, University Village B resident. Also participating in the ribbon cutting were OU Regent Tom Clark, Chris A. Purcell, vice president for university governance and executive secretary of the OU Board of Regents and OU Regent Jon R. Stuart.
“Creating on-campus housing for these students will pay remarkable dividends through enhanced student life, stronger bonds between students that will last throughout their days as alumni, and a stronger campus identity,” said RSU president Dr. Larry Rice.
The new 87,118 -square-foot complex is located just west of Soldier Field, with its main entrance on Colonel Horne Drive. The $11.5 million project accommodates 255 students in a three-level facility and features a clubhouse.
The main building features one, two and four-bedroom apartments, all with interior entrances linked by corridors. Each floor features commons areas, a recreation area and meeting rooms for residents. The building contains 99 two-bedroom units of 473 square feet, featuring a living area, kitchenette and bathroom; 12 four-bedroom units of 1,148 square feet, with a living room, kitchen and two bathrooms; and nine one-bedroom units of 361 square feet, with a living room, kitchenette and bathroom.
A laundry facility is located on the first floor.
The single-story, 6,758 -square-foot clubhouse features a large conference room, which can be divided into three smaller conference rooms, and a theater room with a large-screen television. The clubhouse also contains a coffee bar, commons areas and staff offices.
The exterior of the buildings are covered with red brick, similar to the existing student apartments and other buildings on the main campus.
During the last several semesters, a waiting list has existed for the University Village A apartments, which opened in 2001. That complex accommodates 248 students in four adjoining buildings and features recreation and meeting rooms, a swimming pool and sand volleyball court.