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"I think when you first arrive on campus you see that a transition is going on," says Claflin University President Dr. Henry N. Tisdale. "The beauty of the campus, the feeling that one gets when one s.jpg onto this campus is impressive."

Claflin University is continuing its long-range facilities plan aimed to transform the university both aesthetically and technologically.

The university has invested more than $50 million in the last decade in infrastructure on campus. Historic buildings have been renovated and won state preservation awards based on the restoration. Major buildings have also been constructed, such as the Living and Learning Center Residential Complex. Plans are also in the works to expand the now 42-acre campus event further and to make the campus wireless.

Currently, two buildings on campus are undergoing renovations - Fred P. Corson Hall and W.V.M. Fine Arts Center. Construction began in December and is scheduled to be completed by June of this year.

Corson Hall, a three-story brick structure built in 1964, formerly housed the university dining hall, a two-floor residence for women and the Orange and Maroon Club, a meeting and dining facility. Most recently, Corson Hall was used for student activities and special events. Now, the building will serve as a one-stop shop for student services.

The renovation project will include the areas of the former student dining and serving area as well as the lobby area. The major scope of work will include the relocation of the financial aid officers, counselors and student support operations.

"The Student Support Services Department has been working in a temporary holding since 2002," said Torilus Ward, director of plant operations. "But now, it will have a permanent home in Corson Hall."

The first phase of renovations to W.V.M. Fine Arts Center was completed in 2004 with the construction of the Music Center adjacent to the building. The second phase has begun with renovations to the auditorium, hallways and classrooms of the 40-year-old building.

"The seating of the auditorium, lighting and sound system will be reconstructed as well as the ceilings and lighting of the hallways and classrooms," Ward said.

Ward said in the future, a third phase of renovations to W.V.M. will include expanding the Middleton Fine Arts Center.

Facilities upgrades, land acquisitions and expanded parking are all a part of the long-range plan to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of the university.

To date, projects such as the construction of the university dining center, new student residential center and a new chapel have been completed.

Tingley Memorial Hall, constructed in 1908, has been restored. Renovations to Dunton Hall, Kleist Hall and Highrise, all residential facilities; the H.V. Manning Library and James S. Thomas science building have also been completed. Legacy Plaza, a pedestrian-friendly walkway, is adorned with willow oak trees, benches, lighting, flower beds and a water fountain.

Future plans include the expansion of the Manning library, and renovations to Trustee Hall and the Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Center. The Claflin University campus property continues to expand through acquisitions, which include the Russell Street Campus.

"We pride ourselves on making sure Claflin offers top-notch educational opportunities to our students, but we want to make sure our academic and residential facilities are state-of-the-art as well," Tisdale said.

Claflin University was recently included on the Council of Independent Colleges Historic Campus Architectural Web site for the history and design of Tingley Memorial Hall, the Arthur Rose Museum and Ministers' Hall. The Historic Campus Architecture Project is the first nationwide architecture and landscape database of independent colleges and university campuses.

To visit the CIC Historic Campus Architectural Web site, go to www.cic.edu/hcap.

Charlene Slaughter is Claflin University's assistant director of public relations.

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