HARTSVILLE, SC (WMBF) Coker College has broken
ground on new housing units. College administrators said this is only phase one
of a six phase project.
College students said the new developments on campus have
created a buzz in the student body.
Dr. Jason Umfress, Dean of Students said this move is apart
of the new vision that the college board members put into place. Dr. Umfress
said the college had to build new housing units to handle the influx of
students the school is expecting to take on.
Currently the school has around 1,100 students.
Administrators are expecting to grow that number to 1,500.
The housing units will feature four bedroom apartments,
living areas and common areas. The building will be able to house 48 beds
and a large balcony to enhance dorm life experience. Dr. Umfress said Coker
places a strong emphasis on the "dorm experience" because it reflects what's
happening in the classroom.
All the developments at Coker are in direct correlation with
what's happening in the city of Hartsville.
Mayor Mel Pennington said that he is excited to see the
growth on campus because it's one more sign the city is growing.
The new construction on campus is just blocks away from a
new hotel being built in Hartsville.
Pennington said he's proud to see the city growing in such a
sluggish economy.
"Yes, Hartsville definitely caters to my internship needs,
when I start doing my internship because there are a lot of companies willing
to help," said Heidrun Kristmundsdottir.
School administrators agree that industries surrounding the
city allow students to take on internships.
Those internships could possible lead to jobs, causing the
city to continue to grow.
With jobs available in Hartsville students tell me they may
be willing to stay. Keeping the skills they learn at Coker, in the local
community.
The first phase of the college's developments will be
completed by summer of 2013.
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