Waynesburg University hosted a Showcase of Growth event Friday, April 11, for local media, law enforcement and government agencies to tour the new and recently renovated facilities on campus.
The schedule of events began with light refreshments and welcoming remarks from Dr. Dana Cook Baer, director of the Center for Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation and professor of criminal justice, Waynesburg University President Douglas G. Lee and Rev. Dr. Parker T. Williamson, chief operating officer of The Stover Foundation. Shortly thereafter, a ribbon cutting was held for the new Center for Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation. The event concluded with tours of four facilities both on and off campus.
Tours began at the Center for Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation, which features state-of-the-art, high-tech simulators on the lower level, including a MILO Range Theater 180 and Pro system training for interactive Use-of-Force and Crisis Management Training, and an L3 Harris driving simulator. On the upper level is a spacious area with cutting-edge technology that can be converted into three separate classrooms, a conference room and office space, accommodating functions of up to 120 people.
Next door, participants toured the newly renovated Practical Exercise Facility, formerly known as the CSI House. This building now features a mock courtroom, which has been named "The Williamson Courtroom" in honor of the contributions of Rev. Dr. Williamson; a bloodstain pattern interpretation room; and a fingerprint lab.
These facilities provide cutting-edge training, preparing students to excel in the field. The enhanced Center will also enrich training opportunities for local and regional first responders, strengthening the University’s long-standing relationships with law enforcement agencies such as the FBI, CIA, ATF, police departments and probation offices.
Tours continued to the bottom floor of Eberly Library, where the newly renovated Pathways Center is located. The Pathways Center offers comprehensive support services to students on campus and includes a new community learning space, private testing and interview rooms, a restructured Career Closet storefront with changing rooms, a sensory room and staff offices.
After a brief stop in the eHIVE, shuttles departed for a tour of Alston Farm, a well-preserved historic house, log cabin, barn, renovated classroom and greenhouse space on 52 acres, recently donated to the University. Alston Farm provides incredible opportunities for new and expanded student instruction and community outreach. Waynesburg University has hired a consultant to develop a strategic plan for the farm, made possible through a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). The plan is expected to be complete in fall of 2025.
Waynesburg University has seen tremendous growth in recent years, from new and enhanced facilities to property expansion, all made possible by the incredible generosity of the University’s donors and other supporters.
In 2022, the lobby outside of the auxiliary gym was renovated into a new Recruitment Lounge, where coaches and prospective-students can meet. That same year, locker rooms received significant updates in the Rudy Marisa Fieldhouse and John F. Wiley Stadium, and a new video board and scoreboard were installed in Rudy Marisa Fieldhouse to enhance the game day experience.
A new, state-of-the-art Esports Arena was constructed in the Buhl Humanities Building. One of the largest in the region, all 25 stations are equipped with the following: Alienware Aurora R12; Alienware 38” Curved Gaming Monitor; Alienware Gaming Mouse; Alienware Mechanical Gaming Keyboard; Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling Headphones; and an electric height adjustable standing desk. The space also includes an Optoma projector and a separate viewing room with a SmartGlass window.
Completed in August 2023, John F. Wiley Stadium received several additional enhancements, which included a 250-foot-long retaining wall with a 25-foot-high net and lights; banners on retaining wall honoring senior football and soccer student-athletes; signage surrounding the field and underneath the bleachers; President’s Box renovations; home locker room showers; covered benches for football and soccer teams; an athletic training room; parking lot expansion; and pavilion.
The University’s award-winning Entrepreneurial Leadership Program unveiled its new innovation hub in February 2024. The Entrepreneurial Hub for Innovative Ventures and Endeavors (eHIVE), located on the first floor of Stover Campus Center, houses equipment that supports student entrepreneurs in their prototyping efforts and enables them to make products to sell for their own small businesses.
One additional property, The Thyreen Retreat Center, was kindly donated in accordance with the wishes of the late Chancellor Thyreen and his family. The farm will serve as a retreat center.
Consistently ranked a best value school, Waynesburg University’s Strategy for the 21st Century affirms its commitment to developing an entrepreneurial mindset and ethical leadership skills for all students. Rooted in its mission of faith, learning and service, the private, Christian university is located on a traditional campus in the hills of southwestern Pennsylvania, with an additional site for graduate and professional programs in Southpointe.
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