The university is planning to make extensive repairs to Malone Hall, and fine arts students will be temporarily relocated into other buildings, effective in January for the Spring 2025 semester.
The university will then move forward with renovations to Malone Hall, which houses the departments of art and design and theater and dance. There will be repairs and renovations to the roof, flooring, HVAC and ceiling tiles. Budgets and timelines for these projects have not yet been finalized.
“Faculty requested to remain in the building through the end of the current semester to not disrupt classes,” said a university spokesperson in a statement to The Tropolitan. “Faculty recently toured several potential locations at the Troy Campus, including Wright Hall and the University Park annex.
“Relocation plans are expected to be finalized soon.”
These upgrades come after a damaged ceiling tile fell in September while a class was in session, prompting campus-wide concern from students. Since then, the Troy University Physical Plant has made numerous immediate repairs to the building, including replacing damaged ceiling tiles.
Further, a roofing contractor has made multiple repairs to the roof to prevent the leaking that caused many of the health and safety concerns in the building.
“Troy University’s fine arts, theater and dance programs are a vital part of TROY’s history and culture,” the statement said. “University leaders are fully committed to providing facilities that support the growth and development of these programs and help our arts students reach their full potential.”
Students in Malone Hall told The Tropolitan they wished the repairs had come sooner, but they are excited for the positive changes.
“I'm shocked it took so much news articles and bad attention on social media for them to finally work towards a more permanent solution,” said Hannah Helms, a senior graphic design major from Troy who was in the classroom when the ceiling tile fell. “While I'm sad I won't get to enjoy the perks of a better work environment, I'm glad that future staff and students will, and hopefully, from this, the art department can truly shine and reach its full potential.”
Chair of the Department of Art and Design Greg Skaggs said that while the relocation is a temporary inconvenience, it will ultimately lead to a healthier and more productive environment.
“The department is very pleased with the progress being made with Malone repairs and clean-up,” Skaggs said. “Special thanks to Rob Burkey and Jeff Pack for making sure Malone is safe and functional for our students and faculty.
“There’s been a lot of work done, and I know much more to complete, and we are very thankful for that. We look forward to having our work space healthier and functional in order to meet our Department’s Core Values: creativity, respect, grit and connection.”