As Washburn University plans to close Henderson Resources Learning Center for a major renovation starting in May, departments and classes will temporarily relocate to various campus buildings.
The construction project is set to bring a complete overhaul to the 1970s-era building, ensuring that it becomes a state-of-the-art facility upon its reopening in the spring semester of 2027. This shift has raised questions about how the changes will affect both students and faculty.
Kelly Erby, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, shared that the move, while temporary, has been carefully planned.
“We’re not tearing the building down, we’re remodeling it, but it’s going to be like the surface of the building, every space of the building, is going to be completely remodeled. We have had to move classes temporarily, but the end result is going to be amazing,” Erby said.
The university has secured spaces for all classes and departments that need new spaces for the next few years. The School of Business has found its temporary home in the Washburn University Foundation House, the current home of the Washburn University Alumni Association and Foundation. The psychology department and psychology clinic will be moving to what is currently the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority house. Sociology and anthropology will be sharing a space on the bottom floor of West Residence Hall, and the political science and history departments will be bunking together right next to West on the third floor of Kuehne Residence Hall. Finally, the mass media department is being relocated to the KTWU station just down the road from Henderson.
Kim Morse, history professor, expressed concern about the logistical issues this will create, particularly for students and faculty who will now have to navigate longer distances between offices and classrooms.
”It’s a temporary solution with the hope that when we get done it’ll be much better. But for a little while, we’ll have to get used to it,” Morse said. “For example, you could have [a class] in Garvey and then one in Stoffer and then and then one in Morgan, it’s just what it’s going to be for a couple years.”
Despite these challenges, both Erby and Morse are confident that students will adapt.
“Faculty are committed to student success,” Erby said. “Even if our offices are in different places, we’ll make sure students know where to find us.”
As the university gears up for the renovation, it’s clear that while the temporary changes may require more effort, the end result will be a more modern and efficient learning environment for students and faculty alike. The university encourages everyone to embrace the transition and stay engaged as Washburn works to build a brighter future.
Edited by Jeremy Ford.
