$21 Million Investment Enhances Student Living, Learning and Campus Life

Alabama A&M University officially reopened Morris Hall and Stephens Hall with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday, celebrating the completion of approximately $21 million in renovations that have transformed the residence halls into modern living and learning spaces for students.

Originally opened in 1972 and 1981, respectively, the residence halls have served generations of Bulldogs. After being offline for approximately one year to undergo extensive renovations, both facilities are now ready to welcome students for the 2026-27 academic year.

The projects modernized nearly every aspect of the student living experience while preserving the halls' longstanding role in campus life. Morris Hall received approximately $12 million in renovations, while Stephens Hall underwent approximately $9 million in upgrades, including design, construction and furnishings.

“While it is a renovation, these are actually new facilities,” said Alabama A&M University President Daniel K. Wims. “The buildings were taken almost down to their core and rebuilt with a completely different design. Having modern, current facilities is essential for growth and sustainability at any university, and we are proud to provide our students with spaces that support their success.”

Morris Hall now features suite-style accommodations with Jack-and-Jill bathrooms, creating a more private and comfortable living environment for students. Stephens Hall's former communal shower areas were redesigned to create additional space and improve accessibility and convenience for residents.

Both residence halls received new flooring, wall and ceiling finishes, modern furnishings, upgraded laundry facilities and dedicated study and lounge spaces on every floor. The renovations also included new heating and cooling systems that allow students to individually control room temperatures, improving comfort and energy efficiency.

Among the most significant upgrades are the installation of ADA-compliant elevators in each residence hall — a feature frequently requested by students and parents — as well as enhanced Wi-Fi and data infrastructure, security cameras, electronic access controls, upgraded fire alarm systems, new roofs, energy-efficient windows and curtainwall systems, and new doors and hardware throughout each building.

Together, Morris Hall and Stephens Hall will accommodate more than 280 students. Morris Hall houses 124 students and a residence hall manager, while Stephens Hall accommodates 158 students and a residence hall manager.

Board of Trustees President Pro Tem Kevin Ball said the renovations reflect Alabama A&M's commitment to providing students with a modern residential experience while investing in the University's future.

“These residence halls will provide modern, safe and comfortable living spaces that enhance the collegiate experience and support student success both inside and outside of the classroom,” said Ball. “As we celebrate this achievement, we also recognize the generations before us and invest in the generations of Bulldogs who will benefit from these facilities for years to come.”

The residence hall renovations are part of a broader campus modernization effort designed to enhance facilities, improve accessibility and expand resources for students, faculty and staff.

Current projects include the construction of a new science building and student amenities building, renovations to Carnegie Hall, HVAC and interior improvements to Patton Hall, accessibility upgrades across multiple campus facilities, improvements to Morrison Fine Arts, a new dental clinic in Knight Hall and expanded campus infrastructure enhancements.

Wims said the University remains committed to modernizing campus facilities while preserving buildings that have played an important role in Alabama A&M's history.

“We committed to not demolishing these buildings, but to renovate and make them current-use facilities,” said Wims. “We are keeping that promise and that commitment, and we look forward to doing that for the other residence halls as well.”