Chancellor David P. Manuel
Message from the Chancellor (June 19, 2009)
Dear Friends:
New construction always speaks to the future, to the dynamic of change and to the promise of quality.The LSU Alexandria community is fortunate to mark the beginning of this future with the groundbreaking of the Multipurpose Academic Center (MPAC).We will gather at 10:00 AM on June 18, 2009 to set this new construction on its path forward and we hope to celebrate its conclusion in eighteen months.The MPAC will create a major presence on the LSUA campus with its imprint of 70,000 square feet and three stories of glass, steel, and brick exterior finishes.The investment of nearly $11 million is the largest investment on the campus in twenty-five years and will represent a stunning commitment of LSUA to undergraduate student achievement and success.
Features of Multipurpose Academic Center include:
- Twelve classrooms each seating 30 students;
- Two classrooms each seating 85;
- Two classrooms each seating 48;
- A methods classroom with seating for 30 students;
- A computer and writing laboratory for 20 students and adjoining small group study room;
- Painting and drawing studio for 30 students;
- Ceramic studio for 24 students, an indoor kiln room and outdoor ceramics kilns and yard;
- Photography suite with lecture and work area for 20 students, darkroom, and digital printing capabilities;
- Archive storage for the LSUA permanent art collection;
- Chorale room and theatre rehearsal room;
- Four music practice rooms;
- Black Box Theatre seating 175 and associated controls, equipment and lighting;
- Four department office suites; and
- Sixty-one faculty offices.
In recent years several additions to the LSU Alexandria campus have signaled important change and advancement, such as construction and occupancy of The Oaks Residence Hall, construction of the new baseball and softball complex (scheduled for dedication on February 3, 2010), and the current renovation of the Student Center and Brumfield-Caffey Annex.All of these speak to the very bright future of LSUA; however, the Multipurpose Academic Center will serve as a singular resource to transform teaching and learning on the campus.While it has taken several years to reach this stage, the MPAC will mark a new era in undergraduate higher education in Central Louisiana.
Thank you.
Revised: 6/15/2009