Legislative Request (Priorities and Descriptions):

Summary of Request

Priority 1: T.B. Ellis Interior Renovations (Phase II)

Type: Repair and Renovation

Funds Requested: $10,000,000.00

Project Description

The T.B. Ellis Interior Renovation (Phase II) project represents the final phase required to bring the facility fully online as a modern, multi-purpose academic and community asset. This phase includes the full restoration of the Olympic-size pool, including structural evaluation, waterproofing systems, replacement of mechanical and filtration systems and code-compliant pool deck upgrades. The project also includes rehabilitation and replacement of plumbing systems throughout the facility to ensure long-term reliability, efficiency and compliance with current health and safety standards.

Locker room renovations will include new fixtures, partitions, showers, flooring systems and full ADA-compliant upgrades to support both student-athletes, campus and community users. Academic and administrative areas will be completed with renewal of offices, classrooms and conference spaces, along with new interior finishes including flooring, ceilings, painting and general improvements. The project also includes LED lighting upgrades to improve energy efficiency and operational performance. All systems will be integrated to meet current building codes, fire life safety standards and institutional requirements.

Project Justification

This investment is critical to fully activating a high-value institutional asset located within a federally designated area of refuge, enhancing its role in emergency preparedness and community resilience. Restoration of the Olympic-size pool provides a rare regional asset for recreation, wellness, and competitive programming, supporting both academic instruction and community engagement.

The project also enables consolidation of the Department of Health, Physical Education & Recreation and the Department of Public Health into a single facility, improving operational efficiency, reducing leased space costs, and strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration. Completion of additional rooms and facade improvements at One University Place further supports the availability of quality on-campus housing.

Priority 2: Housing Renovations (Multiple Facilities)

Type: Repair and Renovation

Funds Requested: $42,000,000.00

Project Description

The Housing Renovations project is a multi-building initiative focused on preserving and modernizing campus residential infrastructure. The scope includes full roof replacements at Alexander Hall, Stewart Hall, Dixon Hall and One University Place, including structural inspection, waterproofing systems, insulation upgrades and drainage improvements.

At University Pointe (Buildings 300–1000), work includes roofing, façade repairs, mechanical and plumbing upgrades and targeted interior unit renovations to address deferred maintenance and restore livability. Critical structural stabilization will be performed at Campbell South and Transitional Hall to address foundation settlement and structural reinforcement.

At One University Place, the project includes completing unfinished rooms, replacing window seals, repairing stucco, mitigating moisture intrusion and rehabilitating targeted units (Rooms 201 and 301) to ensure full occupancy readiness and code compliance.

Project Justification

This funding addresses urgent life-safety, structural and habitability concerns across the student housing portfolio. Roof and envelope failures are contributing to water intrusion, mold risk and interior deterioration, increasing long-term costs if not addressed.

Upgrades at University Pointe and other housing facilities directly support student recruitment and retention by improving residential quality and competitiveness. Structural stabilization at Campbell South and Transitional Housing is essential to prevent student displacement. Completing One University Place ensures the full utilization of the existing housing inventory, supporting enrollment growth and reducing reliance on off-campus housing.

Priority 3: General Repair & Renovation

Type: Repair and Renovation

Funds Requested: $8,000,000.00

Project Description

This program represents a campus-wide deferred maintenance and capital renewal initiative addressing life safety, building systems reliability and envelope deterioration across multiple facilities.

Key investments include the continuation of HVAC system replacement and elevator modernization, generator and infrastructure upgrades, envelope stabilization, and road and sidewalk improvements.

The program also includes a strategic demolition initiative targeting Jones-Sampson Hall, Blackburn Building and the Old Industrial Arts Building based on geographic planning analysis and facility condition assessments.

Project Justification

This funding addresses urgent deferred maintenance, life safety compliance, and infrastructure obsolescence across campus. Many systems have exceeded useful life, resulting in increased operational risk, rising maintenance costs, and reduced energy efficiency.

Demolition of obsolete facilities reduces long-term liability, eliminates reinvestment into non-viable assets, and supports long-range campus master planning. This program ensures responsible stewardship of state assets while positioning the university for future growth and modernization.

Priority 4: Rose E. McCoy Auditorium Renovation

Type: Repair and Renovation

Funds Requested: $7,000,000.00

Project Description

The Rose E. McCoy Auditorium Renovation transforms the facility into a modern, Broadway-caliber performance and instructional venue. The project includes full electrical system replacement, fire alarm upgrades, HVAC modernization, elevator replacement, plumbing and restroom renovation, envelope improvements and full interior refurbishment.

Acoustic, lighting and performance system enhancements will elevate the facility to professional-grade standards suitable for academic programming and large-scale cultural events.

Project Justification

This investment will restore a key cultural and academic asset and bring the facility up to industry performance standards. It enhances experiential learning opportunities for students in performing arts and related disciplines while strengthening regional cultural engagement.

The project also improves energy efficiency, ensures life-safety compliance, and leverages existing grant funding, maximizing the return on public investment.

Priority 5: Multipurpose and Athletic Facility Safety and Infrastructure Improvement (Phase I)

Type: Repair and Renovation

Funds Requested: $19,000,000.00

Project Description

This program addresses the highest-priority life-safety and deferred-maintenance needs across athletic facilities, including the Lee E. Williams Athletic & Assembly Center, Walter Payton Recreation & Wellness Center, athletic support facilities and Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium.

Work includes HVAC and mechanical system replacements, electrical infrastructure upgrades, plumbing and restroom renovations, roof replacements, structural repairs, lighting upgrades, seating improvements and comprehensive site and parking enhancements. Stadium improvements focus on structural stabilization, safety compliance, ADA accessibility and crowd management systems.

Project Justification

These facilities are critical to student life, athletics and public events, but are experiencing significant system failures due to age and deferred maintenance. Without intervention, risks to safety, operations and event continuity will continue to escalate.

Stadium improvements are particularly urgent due to structural, seating and accessibility concerns that impact large-scale public safety. Investment will ensure compliance with modern codes, reduce liability exposure and preserve the university’s ability to host major athletic and community events.