Students touring the new HPER Center
CONWAY—The University of Central Arkansas continues to make progress toward fulfilling the goals set forth in the Framework for the Future with today’s opening of the newly-expanded Health Physical Education and Recreation Center on campus.
Approximately 200 students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends were on hand for the ceremony on the basketball courts of the HPER.
“Today is so exciting because this has been many years in the making. It started in 2010, when students said we would like a bigger and better workout facility. The journey has taken four years and we couldn’t be more proud of this HPER expansion,” said Ashley Ross, president of the Student Government Association (SGA).
The SGA proposed the idea in 2010 as a senior class goal/project, then approved a resolution to begin an architectural feasibility study in fall 2010. The SGA recommended expanding the HPER, and the UCA Board of Trustees issued a request for qualifications for an architect in 2011.
“This new facility is an integral part of the educational facilities on our campus and will serve our students as well as be a significant recruitment tool for prospective students,” said Kay Hinkle, chair of the UCA Board of Trustees. “In addition, in order to have strong minds and succeed academically, we must also have time to relieve stress; stay in good physical and mental shape; and have a place to meet, enjoy and engage with classmates. This facility will do all of those things.”
Expanding the HPER was part of the Framework for the Future which was introduced in November 2013 during the investiture ceremony for UCA President Tom Courtway. The plan laid out three primary goals with several strategies, deadlines, and responsibilities to achieve the goals. One goal was to “create a campus that attracts and retains the best students, faculty, and staff.”
“It is a pleasure to see the new and improved HPER Center opened once again. It is a fantastic facility for our students, staff, and faculty,” said UCA President Tom Courtway.
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