Hunt Students Get Sneak Peek at Renovations
The Big Picture
Roughly 40 students joined John Hadjimarcou, Ph.D., Rick and Ginger Francis Dean, for an open discussion about what’s next for the Hunt College of Business.
Between food, drinks, and swag giveaways, students shared feedback on how to make the college a better place to learn, connect, and linger.
Why It Matters
The college is considering a major renovation of the third floor, which will introduce new collaboration spaces, upgraded classrooms, and modern technology designed to support how today’s students actually work and study.
“We’re not simply remodeling classrooms — we’re rethinking how students use this building,” Hadjimarcou said. “We want you to stay, collaborate, and connect.”
He emphasized that every improvement, from Wi-Fi to lighting to food choices, is part of a larger effort to make the college a true home base for business students.
“Every little thing matters — the furniture, the lighting, even the snacks — because all of it shapes how long you stay, how you connect with others, and ultimately how successful you become.”
What Happened
Dean Hadjimarcou outlined plans to:
- Convert outdated labs into flexible classrooms and group spaces.
- Relocate Graduate Programs from downtown to the main campus.
- Expand internship opportunities, laptop access, and student-success support.
“Forty-five years ago, our building was designed for approximately 2,000 students and 50 faculty members. Today, we have nearly twice that number. We have to evolve. That means modern spaces, smarter technology, and stronger support systems.”
“We are doing these renovations with a purpose in mind. We’re putting our resources where they matter most: your spaces, your support, and your opportunities.”
Looking Ahead
Construction is expected to begin soon, with visible changes rolling out over the next year. The dean encouraged students to stay involved, share ideas, and keep the conversation going.
“We can’t just talk about student success — we have to build it into the walls, the classrooms, and the culture of this college.”