MSU Board Reviews Progress and Campus Transformation
As the 2025-26 academic year approaches, Morehead State University’s campus revitalization plan is in full swing. During the August Board of Regents meeting, board members received a comprehensive overview on the University’s capital project facilities plans, along with updates on current projects from MSU President Dr. Jay Morgan.
With new residence halls and academic buildings currently under construction, MSU is laying the foundation for a more vibrant and enriching campus experience for current and future Eagles.
“Everything we’re building is designed with our students in mind. We want to make sure they have the spaces and resources they need to succeed — not just in the classroom, but in every part of their college experience,” said President Morgan. “These new facilities will help us meet the evolving needs of our campus community, while strengthening the foundation for long-term growth.”
Kim Oatman, associate vice president for capital construction and chief facilities officer, provided updates on the status of current construction projects on campus and conducted a tour to ensure the regents could see the progress firsthand.
Prefontaine Hall
Construction on Prefontaine Hall is progressing and on schedule for a Fall 2026 opening. “The building structure is primarily made of Insulated Concrete Forms, or structural foam forms stacked up and filled with reinforcing rods and concrete to create the exterior wall system,” Oatman said. “Construction of interior walls and systems is underway, and the geothermal system installation for this project will begin this summer.”
Science & Engineering Building
The Science & Engineering building progress continues with a target schedule for a Fall 2027 opening. Oatman said drilled piers were recently completed, and the concrete foundations and subsurface walls are in progress. “Major utility work around the site is ongoing, which has resulted in street closures,” he said. “This utility work is anticipated to be completed before the beginning of the upcoming fall semester.”
New Residence Hall (name TBD)
A second new residence hall begins construction in August. The new hall will replace Normal Hall, which has been razed. This residence hall is set to open in Spring 2027.
Vet Tech Building Renovation & Addition
Building upgrades are scheduled for completion in December 2025. The renovated portion of the existing building should be completed before the fall semester begins, and the exterior addition portion will be completed before the spring 2026 semester. Oatman said the addition's exterior walls will also be Insulated Concrete Forms.
Multidisciplinary Academic Building
This project's design was completed in July, and it is now moving to the bidding phase. Bids should be opened in August, and construction will follow, taking two years.
Other Renovations and Updates
Renovations should be completed before the upcoming fall semester in the following buildings: Ginger Hall, Camden-Carroll Library - 2nd Floor, Plant & Soil Lab, Nunn Hall, Fields Hall basement and several others.
Additionally, as part of these campus revitalization efforts, school administrators are approaching the Capital Planning Advisory Board, which advises all branches of government on funding priorities, to request support for additional construction initiatives. If approved, the proposed funding would enable the development of four new campus facilities, with top priority given to replacing Reed Hall.
For information, photos and renderings for MSU's campus revitalization projects, visit www.moreheadstate.edu/forward.
Photo: Progress is being made on Morehead State's Science & Engineering Building, one of several new academic facilities and residence halls coming to campus in the coming years.
