“West Liberty has a momentum that is unmatched by any other college or university in this state. I believe that Campbell Hall and the values and principles of its namesake will continue to guide us down a road to distinction and distinctiveness. As such, I believe the future of West Liberty University is bright and boundless.” — President Robin C. Capehart, remarks from the Dedication of Campbell Hall.
West Liberty University (WLU) dedicated its state-of-the art Campbell Hall of Health Sciences building at 11 a.m., Monday, May 5. The $23-million building houses six academic departments: chemistry, dental hygiene, medical laboratory sciences, nursing, speech pathology/audiology and the newest WLU health science program, physician assistant studies.
“First, we’d like to offer our deepest appreciation to former Chancellor of Higher Education, Brian Noland, who is now serving as the President of East Tennessee State University, and who understood of the need for a facility that would contribute to the long-term health care needs of the people of West Virginia,” began President Robin C. Capehart at the formal dedication, attended by approximately 250 guests.
“It was through Dr. Noland’s support that the Higher Education Policy Commission identified this facility that we dedicate today as the highest priority among all new construction projects for higher education in the State of West Virginia.”
President Capehart also thanked the West Virginia Chancellor of Higher Education Dr. Paul Hill for his support of the building project and thanked United States Senator Joe Manchin, who was West Virginia governor at the time the project began, and current Governor Earl Ray Tomblin, for their help in making the new science building a reality.
After thanking the many campus leaders, donors, WLU Board of Governors, staff, administrators and friends of the University, Capehart continued by stating:
“It’s fitting that we gather on this day – to dedicate this building – in honor of this gentleman – having just passed the 5th anniversary of this institution becoming a university. For the proud heritage of this institution, the opportunity that lies within this building and the life of service unselfishly provided by the building’s namesake all share one thing in common – the ability to transform the lives of countless number of individuals.”
Named in honor of Dr. Clyde Campbell, who graduated from West Liberty in 1953 and later served as a chemistry professor and then president of the University from 1984 – 1995, the dedication marks the formal opening of the 72,000 square-foot educational building.
“It’s an exciting time to be a student majoring in the sciences at West Liberty University,” said Dean of the College of Sciences Dr. Robert Kreisberg. “Campbell Hall brings together the health sciences in one central location and enhances our student academic experience. The classrooms, laboratories and clinical spaces add to our strong curriculum to create the best research and learning environments for our students and faculty.”
The four-story administrative and classroom structure was designed using neoclassical architectural elements, consistent with the overall look of the university. Architect for the project was Perfido, Weiskopf, Wagstaff and Goettel of Pittsburgh. Nello Construction of Canonsburg, Pa. was the builder.
WLU employee Larry Skrzypek was the project manager of Campbell Hall construction, which began with a ground breaking on July 1, 2012.
The position of the new science building on Faculty Drive overlooking a green wooded vale, creates an attractive walking path that accommodates students walking to other campus locations including Hoge Quadrangle, Arnett Hall and the College Union.
Other inviting features include a spacious outdoor veranda attached to the back of the structure that leads to the new path.
The state of West Virginia provided $12.75 million of the total budget for Campbell Hall and the University invested an additional $1.1 million from gas and timber rights. An additional $500,000 was provided through private fundraising thanks to generous donors, with another sum of $400,000 committed to Campbell Hall through planned giving and pledges. The remaining balance was funded through a $10 million bond issuance.
Located on Faculty Drive, below Shaw Hall, Campbell Hall makes use of a formerly wooded area of campus. For more information on the Campbell Hall of Health Science, please call 304-336-8888 or visit westliberty.edu.
To read the complete text of President Robin C. Capehart’s dedication speech, please click here.