Penland, Memorial updates to begin this summer

Coming soon to Baylor: a new doctoral degree in education, upgrades to Penland Hall and Memorial Dining Hall, and an expanded Baylor Energy Complex, following approval by Baylor Regents last week.

The new Ed.D. in K-12 educational leadership offers a doctoral leadership program in education from a Christian perspective — a rarity nationwide. The innovative program will prepare future leaders for both public and private pre-collegiate education.

The Penland renovation is part of an eight-year plan to restore 10 residence halls across campus. Like North and South Russell before it, Penland will be updated with new furniture and fixtures in the rooms; new study, social and spiritual spaces; apartments for faculty-in-residence and a resident chaplain; and new mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. The hall will be closed for the 2015-16 school year while work is completed.

Over the summer, Memorial Dining Hall will expand to 22,000 square feet with seating for 600 students. Memorial (pictured above after renovation) is one of four primary dining halls on campus, along with Brooks Great Hall, East Village Dining Commons and Penland Crossroads (which will remain open during the hall’s renovation). At the same time, the Baylor Energy Complex and Electrical Substation will expand to meet the campus’ growing energy needs.

Sic ’em, campus upgrades!