Students to see major AAMU campus improvements

Students, faculty, staff and families can expect several campus improvements and renovations when they return to Alabama A&M for the fall semester. Upgrading the University’s infrastructure is part Alabama A&M University’s 10-year strategic plan. Last year, the University opened a new Event Center, Welcome Center, Bus Charging Facility and the William Hooper Councill Eternal Flame Memorial. This summer, all major roadways have been repaved from Buchanan Way to Morrison Circle and Councill Boulevard. 

“In May, we completed repaving the parking lot at Patton Hall and finished the new stage rigging in Morrison,” said Director of Facilities Management Brian Shipp. “Last month, we replaced the turf at Louis Crews stadium, constructed a new bus maintenance facility, and added a new canopy to protect students waiting for the bus near the Quad.” 

Almost every building on campus has seen improvements. Some facility enhancements include: elevator upgrades in Morrison Hall, the New School of Business and the President’s Office; restroom renovations in Elmore Gymnasium, Palmer Hall and Stephens Hall; and roof replacements at Palmer Hall, Stephens Hall, Normal Hills, and Frank Louis Gymnasium. 

New temporary overflow parking has also been added at Hugine Hall along with a new paved tailgating village, renovated tennis courts, and baseball backstop. The AAMU Child Development Center also received new playground equipment in July thanks to AAMU’s winning of The Home Depot’s Retool Your School Grant of $75,000 in 2022. 

“We have many ongoing projects like new siding at Normal Hills, HVAC and fire alarm replacements at Knight, classroom renovations in Carter and Parker and laundry room renovations in Council Hall,” said Shipp. “All told, the projects come to more than $19 million in campus improvements.” 

AAMU Capital Improvements Project Manager Jerry Latham and Facilities Coordinator Vindetta Medlock are overseeing all campus renovations.