A&M’s newest building is slated to be ready next month
An October opening is planned for one of Texarkana A&M UniversityTexarkana’s two buildings under construction. The second building should be open next spring.
The $11 million multipurpose building, which contains a inter-collegiate basketball/ court, retractable bleachers, offices, classrooms, locker rooms, a training room and a Starbucks coffee shop is nearing completion. The grand opening celebration is scheduled for Oct. 2.
“After the grand opening, we are hoping to hold December commencement ceremonies there,” said LeAnne Wright, associate vice president for university advancement.. “This will be the first time we have held commencement on campus and we are thrilled to be able to have that here. Family members will be coming to the campus and it’s going to be neat.”
The 38,000-square-foot building is funded through a public-private partnership with Eagle Lake Development of Texarkana, which will own the building. Over time, the university will purchase the building from the company.
Nearby, the 58,000-square-foot Building for Academic and Student Services is still under construction, with an anticipated opening in the spring. Wright said there is not a hard date yet for the building’s completion.
The first floor will contain enrollment services, financial aid and the business office. The second floor will house the college of business and the third floor will be a simulated hospital for use by the universi-
ty’s nursing program.
“What we like about it is that it’s right there when you get on campus, a gateway,” Wright said. “Students looking for information will see it first, as it’s right near the parking lot.”
The $32 million BASS building was funded in 2015 through the Texas Legislature.
A&M -Texarkana President Dr. Emily Cutrer said the buildings will help the university complete its mission.
“Our magnificent new Building for Academic and Student Services will also shed light through its distinctive lantern, enhancing our beautiful campus, in addition to housing student services and stateof-the-art educational spaces for business and nursing programs,” she said. “It will stand as a physical gateway to our campus as well as a gateway to a brighter future for our students.”
For more information on courses and degrees offered at A&MTexarkana, go to www.tamut.edu.