UM president and other leaders “breaking ground” on the University’s new college of business addition
On Thursday, Sept. 5 at 3:30 p.m. The University of Montevallo held a ceremonial groundbreaking for the new Michael E. Steven’s College of Business building on Thursday, September 5 at 3:30 p.m.
A crowd gathered just outside Morgan Hall as Dr. John Stewart, President of the University, welcomed them to the event. Senator Cam Ward, D-Ala, and Montegomery mayor Todd Strange made opening remarks. The Dean of the College of Business, Dr. Stephen Craft expressed his excitement about the potential that will come with the building before beginning the groundbreaking.
“Thanks to the largesse of Allison Stephens and Michael E. Stephens, we’ve designed a building that is going to honor Michael’s memory and honor the vision that Allison has for Montevallo. In my 10 years of knowing Michael, this was his dream. He always wanted a new building for the College of Business, and so I’m so grateful that this day has come,” said UM President Dr. John W. Stewart III from a UM press release.
This new expansion to campus is made possible by a donation of $3.6 million left by the late Michael E. Stephens, who the Stephens College of Business is also named after. This is the largest gift received in the University of Montevallo’s history. While there is no set completion date, the construction for the building is expected to take a year.
“It will serve students well into the next generation. Breaking ground today is emblematic of the trajectory our University is enjoying,” said Dr. Stewart from UM press release
The building will be connected to Morgan Hall and will help improve the learning experience not only for business majors but for all students as well. Everyone can expect to benefit and utilize the spaces that will be provided in the building. Not only will there be new technologically improved classrooms, but plenty of meeting rooms and public spaces for all kinds of campus events to be held in.
This expansion is one of several recent developments on campus, including the new Center for the Arts building which is set to finish construction soon. The University is steadily growing and will continue to do so.
“Two projects that could happen relatively soon would be a major renovation of Harmon Hall and then a nice housing option for students,” Dr. Stewart said when asked about future growth. While future decisions are not set in stone, the University definitely plans to continue to grow and make progress in all departments.
