Purdue Trustees Approve $50M Renovation Projects

Purdue University’s Board of Trustees have given approval on a $53 million, multi-faceted renovation of two buildings on the West Lafayette campus. The project includes renovations to Schleman Hall for data science expansion and Stewart Center for student services. Purdue says Schleman Hall will become the new home for its expanding data science with the addition of teaching labs, group workspaces, and study.

The Stewart Center project includes the renovation of approximately 45,000 square feet across three floors. Purdue says the Stewart Center will become the principal destination for student services, admissions, financial aid, and bursar functions.

“The relocation of student services from Schleman Hall to modernized space in Stewart Center will improve the current and prospective student experience by co-locating services in an ideal location and ensuring that students know where to go for services and assistance from their very first visit to campus,” said Michael Cline, senior vice president of Administrative Operations. “This arrangement also creates more flexible space that can be used after hours for informal student collaboration.”

The university says the estimated total cost of the project is $52.8 million, with $47.8 million coming from operating funds-reserves and $5 million from gift funds. The plan must be approved by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education and the State Budget Committee. Pending approval, some work on the Stewart Center would begin next April. Renovations will start in Schleman Hall in February 2023.

Other Board Action:

The board also heard a report from Purdue Northwest Chancellor Thomas Keon on the academic and economic sustainability of the PNW Westville campus. The report came at the request of the board of trustees. A cost analysis of the Westville campus shows it is operating in the red, with an estimated loss of $4 million for 2019-2020 and $3.6 million for 2020-2021. Keon’s report included recommendations to grow academic programs that would attract more students and implementing strategies for student retention.

“Like our colleagues across higher education, the Purdue Northwest campuses have experienced significant impacts to our enrollment over the last decade due to many factors, notably a decline in the number of high school students nationwide,” said PNW Chancellor Thomas Keon. “It is imperative that we position the Westville campus to be self-sustaining, to ensure effective and efficient operations that continue to serve the community for years to come.”

Purdue says the board reviewed the plans, which PNW will begin implementing immediately.

Naming Rights:

Trustees also approved renaming the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering to the Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Purdue says the naming recognizes a $25 million gift from the family of alumnus William B. Elmore. Elmore (BS Electrical Engineering’75, MS EE’76) co-founded Foundation Capital, a venture capital firm based in Palo Alto, California.