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Allen University to Build $16 Million Dollar Dormitories

Monday, January 14th, at 12 Noon, Allen University conducted a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the planned construction of a $16 million dollar Student Residence Center which will house 480 students in new state-of-the-art facilities. Columbia City Mayor Bob Coble, Columbia City Councilman E.W. Cromartie II, and various other city and state officials stood with Bishop Preston W. Williams II, presiding prelate of the Seventh Episcopal District and Chairman of the Board of Allen University, Dr. Charles E. Young, President of Allen University, and various other church and community leaders to announce this historic event. Additionally, A.M.E. Bishops James L. Davis, William P. DeVeaux Sr., Robert V. Webster, Samuel L. Green Sr., Richard A. Chapelle Sr., Cornal G. Henning Sr., Gregory G.M. Ingram, Vashti M. McKenzie, and Richard F. Norris, retired Bishops Frank C. Cummings, Frederick C. James and Zedekia L. Grady, General Officers Dr. Clement Fugh, Rev. Dr. Daryl B. Ingram, Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Dr. Jerome V. Harris, and Dr. Richard A. Lewis, and retired General Officer Jamie Williams, journeyed from throughout South Carolina, the United States, and the world to be present at Allen University for this momentous occasion.

The initial dedicatory ceremony began at 10 a.m. in Allen University’s John Hurst Adams Gymnatorium at 1530 Harden Street in Columbia, S.C. After which attendees walked to the groundbreaking site on Hampton Street, between Pine and Harden Streets, to officially christen the construction site for its future educational purpose.

Bishop Williams stated, “The positive development of Allen University is one of the central aims of my administration. We seek to continue the university’s legacy of strong buildings, a strong curriculum, and student leaders who possess strong intellectual and moral character. I would like to thank South Carolina’s entire community of politicians, bankers, business people, preachers and teachers, Allen University faculty, staff, and students, and particularly the Seventh Episcopal District and connectional A.M.E. Church for their steadfast support in turning this tremendous vision into a bright reality.”

Under the guidance of Bishop Preston W. Williams II and Dr. Charles E. Young, Allen University is currently experiencing an unprecedented level of growth and progress. The university has recently acquired new faculty, increased its student body, upgraded the science, mathematics, and physics labs, refurbished university buildings, expanded the curriculum, increased the degree programs, and modernized its existing facilities. To accomplish this, Allen University has invested tens of millions of dollars toward the fulfillment of its Strategic Growth Program, whose end result is the betterment of every aspect of university life.
Dr. Charles Young stated, “Today is a great day for Allen University! The construction of these new dormitories will allow us to house our current students in state-of-the-art facilities and increase our enrollment by several hundred new students. This Student Residence Center will provide our youth with cutting-edge facilities in which they can live, learn, and grow in a healthy intellectual and social environment.”

Allen University’s construction of a $16 million dollar Student Residence Center arguably stands as its most significant transformation since its inception in 1870. Building a 480 bed state-of-the-art student dormitory will propel the university into a bright and successful future by helping to attract and retain the best and brightest students, while providing them with an environment that is both conducive to learning and a suitable home for their college experience. The Student Residence Center will stand as a reflection of both the excellence of the university and the quality of education and guidance provided by the faculty and staff.

The Residence Center was designed by Stevens & Wilkinson of South Carolina, Inc., and was fashioned to respect and comply with the standards set by downtown Columbia’s historic Waverly Community. The Center will consist of 2 developmental elements: element 1 consists of two dormitories totaling 116,280 square feet, and 480 beds; and element 2 is an esplanade running along the Hampton Street façade. Each dormitory will also contain a lobby with a front desk for student/visitor screening, a lounge/meeting room with male and female bathrooms, elevators, computer study centers, a reception area, electrical and mechanical rooms, and housekeeping space.

Development of these new residence halls will also provide a major boost to Allen University’s future financial position. Like tuition, revenues generated from student housing fees are essential to the business structure and financial performance of any university’s operations. Yet, even with the construction of these new cutting-edge facilities, Allen’s room charges, as well as the total combined annual costs for tuition, room and board, will still remain less expensive than rates currently charged by two of the leading local HBCU’s, Benedict College and Claflin University.

Allen University has provided its students with an exceptional education and an enriching college experience for nearly 140 years. Established in 1870, Allen University is the first institution of higher education in South Carolina founded by African Americans for the express purpose of educating African Americans. Under the leadership of Bishop Preston W. Williams II and Dr. Charles E. Young, the construction of this new Student Residence Center will place Allen University at the cusp of its greatest season as it builds into the new millennium.

Benjamin Harrison
Public Relations Director
7th District AME Church
Cell 803.528.7104
HarrisonAMEMedia@aol.com