Pittsburg State University blog

This blog was written by Chris Kelly, associate vice president for university marketing and communication.

I’ve been reminiscing a lot lately about my years as an undergraduate at Pittsburg State. My mind wanders back to days of flannel shirts, Nirvana, New Jack Swing and the first roller blade craze. My wife tells me it’s a result of turning 41 this year, and I’m inclined to believe her. (I never had these thoughts before I entered my 40s!)

The point is that I’ve been thinking about what I missed by not living on campus. The few times I visited friends in the dorms, I suddenly felt like I was part of a community and more in-touch with the heartbeat of the campus.

While the feeling was wonderful, the rooms and décor at that time were a little dated. I think the paint scheme was the same one my father may have looked at during his time on campus in the late 60s.

Just as times have changed, so too have students’ needs and expectations. Pittsburg State is responding to these changes by investing millions of dollars to renovate and improve housing for its students.

In fact, this Friday the university will celebrate the completion of Tanner Annex. More than just a cosmetic update, this $2.2 million renovation includes new plumbing, windows, interior design and new heating and air conditioning. It’s as close as you can get to building a new dormitory without tearing the old one down.  (Click here for a short video detailing all of our summer construction projects)

Perhaps most significant is the fact that Tanner Annex represents the completion of housing renovations on the north side of campus. Since 2009, Pittsburg State has invested nearly $6 million in renovating its four northern housing units (Bowen, Trout, Tanner and Tanner Annex).

When you add in the $10 million investment in the new Crimson Commons apartments, that equals nearly $16 million worth of renovations and additions to our north side of campus.

Now, the attention turns to the south side of campus with the scheduled  renovations of Nation and Dellinger Halls, along with the Mitchell Annex. Construction is expected to begin in the summer of 2013.

If you’ve ever wanted to see exactly what it’s like to live on campus, I invite you to join us this Friday, August 17, at 9:30 a.m. for a special celebration in the lobby of the Tanner Annex. President Scott will be on hand, as well as several members of our Gorilla family.

It’s a chance to see what you may have missed by not staying on campus … and you don’t have to wear a flannel shirt or roller blades!