While Marshall University’s Jenkins Hall was built in the same year of the worst flood in Huntington’s recorded history, it was the flooding in 2014 that caused most of Jenkins’ problems.

The basement of the building was closed for nearly four years but reopened in May. In 2014, former Marshall president, Stephen James Kopp, had a meeting in the basement of Jenkins hall and had to dodge a leak in the ceiling. Around the same time, a student was walking through a basement classroom, and her leg fell through the floor.

Kopp began saving money in order to get the renovations started, and when Jerome Gilbert became the university’s president in 2016, he decided to continue the initiative and put away some of the university’s money to prepare for the renovations.

The basement project is now officially finished with new walls, carpet, HVAC, furniture, doors and even a new elevator.

Over the summer, the first floor of the building received new paint, flooring, doors and windows, and the second floor is in the process of getting the same treatment. Jenkins will also now be home to a new math lab and state-of-the-art science lab. Not only is the interior of the building being remodeled, but students and staff now have an outdoor patio.

Brean Stewart, business manager for the Office of the Dean for the College of Education and Professional Development, said she is thankful these projects are happening with the students in mind.

“It shows a lot of value to the College of Education and Professional Development and specifically the field of teaching,” Stewart said. “I think it says a lot to our students and faculty members.”

The dean’s office is in the newly renovated basement, but it will be moved to the second floor when it is finished. Once the offices are moved, there will be a study lounge and two new classrooms in the basement.

Emily Ashley, senior elementary education major, said she is eager to finish her college career in such a nice facility.

“It’s awesome,” Ashley said. “I tell everyone I feel like we’re the best people on campus. We have the best building.”

The COEPD also believes that these renovations will help them build their program even further.

“As we’re recruiting, it says ‘hey we’re investing a lot into our program and the university is showing their support,’” Stewart said.

Madison Davis can be contacted at [email protected].