Upon arriving at Troy University, many are impressed by the atmosphere that it presents: the campus is well-kept, the residence halls are continually being improved, the brand new dining hall still stands proud, and most of the academic buildings have an impressive appearance. However, a few of them are suffering greatly on the inside.
Troy students express concerns about the academic buildings that they believe need some tender, loving reconstruction.
Malone Hall, which houses the theater and art departments, is one of the main buildings in need of repair. The worn walls and signage give the structure a gloomy demeanor.
Holly Ammons, a junior graphic design major from Geneva, said that she thinks the building is somewhat homey and comfortable.
“It gets the job done, but it’s starting to look kind of dumpy and old,” Ammons said. “It’s pushed to the back, so it feels like Troy doesn’t take pride in that department.” She said she believes that the department would be encouraged if the building were shown some attention.
McCartha Hall consists of the office of Veterans Affairs, a fallout shelter and the office for social work and human services majors. The environment of McCartha is, overall, a bit haunting. Most students have never set foot in the place, either because of its reputation or because they are just too scared to go back.
Overall, the building and classrooms are in good condition as far as usability, but students still have concerns.
“I think McCartha is my least favorite building,” said Elizabeth Lincoln, a senior psychology major from Greenville. “I just walked in there and was super uncomfortable, and I’ve only been in there the one time I had to go in.”
MSCX, formerly “McCall Hall,” is home to, as the name suggests, the math and science classes. From laboratories, interview rooms, computer labs, large and small classrooms and even a convenience store — MSCX has it all, including air conditioning issues.
“The air conditioning and the heating seem to have a mind of its own,” said Jase Williams, a junior political science major from Macon, Georgia. “Whenever it’s hot, it blows hot air; whenever it’s cold, we get more cold air.”
Tepper Middleton, a junior geomatics major from Potter Station, spends a good portion of his time there and thinks that it is the most diverse building in terms of classroom styles.
“It’s utilitarian, and it works,” Middleton said. “It’s not made to look pretty. Some of the classrooms don’t get cleaned out like they should.”
Wallace Hall, is one of the most important buildings on campus. The upper section is the library, and the bottom section is dedicated to the Hall School of Journalism and Communication.
Although the library remains in good shape and the journalism school is up to date on computer and video technology, the building itself leaves a lot to be desired.
Patterson Hall is used for larger-sized classes, film showings, group meetings and conference speakers. The classrooms are still in fine condition and allow students to charge phones and laptops with easily accessible plugs built into the desks on the first floor.
The large rooms are equipped with projectors and speaker systems to give a large class ease in hearing lectures. Currently on year 10 since its construction, it is faring well.
Smith Hall contains both the English and the music departments. While many of the ensembles of the John M. Long School of Music have transferred into the newest rehearsal space, many music classes are still hosted in Smith.
The English department has recently acquired new lecterns and projectors, as well as a new student lounge. While both departments have undergone technology upgrades in the past few months, a few students expressed concerns with the environment.
“As much as I love English and literature, I feel like the English side of Smith Hall is a little bland for my taste,” said Hannah Moore, a senior music education major from Niceville, Florida. “I feel like an English department should have more color, more taste and more space to think.”
Next is Bibb Graves Hall, which has held up well over the years. Reconstruction and renovations have ensured that the central building of the campus has an excellent appearance. It has been called one of the more official-looking buildings due to the fact that it houses most of the business courses.
The main lobby of the building also offers updated statistics, news and stock reports on tickers that surround the main office entrances.
Hawkins Hall hosts the education, psychology and counseling departments and, as of very recently, the international students office. Due to its novelty, it is one of the more popular buildings.
Lincoln spends a great deal of her scholastic time in Hawkins. “I’m obsessed with that building, which is good because it’s my major and I kind of live there,” she said. “I think that building is phenomenal. The windows make it very bright, open and welcoming.”
Long Hall tops the list of academic buildings because it is the newest addition to Troy’s campus. The new building is home to a dance studio and new rehearsal rooms for both band and choir. The building has multiple practice rooms, rehearsal spaces and designated areas for the students to sit, practice and socialize.
Moore enjoys the proximity of Smith and Long Hall, especially on rainy days. “It’s a nice experience to walk through the door and have that environment,” she said. “It’s very organized.”
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