Students Move Into Mississippi College’s New Residence Halls in Mid-August

University Place, Mississippi College

Construction of Mississippi College’s University Place residence halls remains on schedule despite heavy rains pelting the area in recent months.

MC officials expect 189 students will move into the eight brick buildings starting around mid-August. The modern apartment-style units represent the first new residence halls at the 5,000-student university in two decades.

Students, parents and school administrators are thrilled to see the facilities springing up on the East Campus. On the former Clinton Junior High property, the constant buzz of construction equipment really makes a beautiful sound for members of the Mississippi College family.

“The last time we opened a new residence hall was back in the mid-1990s, so this is a rare time in our history,” says Jim Turcotte, vice president for enrollment services and dean of students.

Featuring new sidewalks, courtyards, French balconies, and the latest in technology needs, University Place is a terrific selling point for America’s second oldest Baptist college.

“These new residence halls will feature amenities that are preferred by students and will be among the best at any comparable university,” Turcotte said. “The location and layout of the buildings will give the university and our students an opportunity to enhance programming and social interaction.”

University Place is situated nearby buildings that house MC Art Department graduate school classrooms and offices. The Mississippi College Choctaws band hall sits right in the vicinity.

The eight units provide a much-needed addition to on-campus housing that’s been squeezed for space due to rising enrollment for more than a decade. There were 3,200 students attending Mississippi College when President Lee Royce arrived in 2002.

“Our student resident population will be approximately 2,000 to make Mississippi College even more comprehensive in what we have to offer,” Turcotte added.

An MC graduate, Turcotte sees the brick buildings taking shape as another positive sign as the institution blends into Clinton neighborhoods.

“The university and the city should see a rich mix of diversity, activity, energy and excitement when all of our students are moving about on the campus and in the community,” Turcotte said.

“These are good days for Clinton, Mississippi with the continued growth of the college and increasing commerce throughout the city.”

Built a couple of years ago, MC’s bookstore and Pimento’s Café are located just steps away from Olde Towne’s historic brick streets. Those attractive facilities also stand out as university partnerships with Clinton continue to prosper.

The vice president for administration and government relations, Steve Stanford has focused on the construction progress at University Place from day one. He’s pleased to see the $16 million project stay on track despite frequent thunderstorms in the spring and summer.

“The heavy rains we’ve experienced over the last four months have certainly challenged and complicated the project,” Stanford said.

“We certainly appreciate and thank those living near the site for their tolerance and patience” as the work proceeds, he said.

The bulk of the construction activity will be wrapped up in late July. Stanford expects the first students will move into University Place in mid-August.

Some of Matthew Atkinson’s friends earlier signed up for housing slots at University Place. The MC sophomore may decide to join them before he winds up his graphic design studies on the Clinton campus.

“It will definitely be a nice addition,” says Atkinson, a 19-year-old Clinton resident. “People will be happy to get more privacy at the new residence halls."