As anyone may or may not know, the UTM campus as of late has been overshadowed by various construction projects inconveniencing commuters and students.
Construction began mid-2011 and most are set to be complete spring 2012.
Perhaps the most obvious are the new "acorn-shaped" lights going up across campus.
"The new lights are being added to provide a safer environment on campus" said Nancy Yarbrough, the Interim Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration.
"The lighting project started in July 2011 and will be complete by summer 2012. We will turn on the quad lights first within the next few months."
The old light posts will either be recycled or shared with other schools if needed. The concrete bases will be removed, however the underground wiring for the lights will remain. The light project is funded by government stimulus funding and is designed by Depouw Enginnering out of Memphis, TN.
The landscape enhancement project is designed to make the University Village and Recreation Center more appealing to students. Shrubs and trees are being added as well as a few shelters to give students a place to gather.
"UTM works very hard in providing students with the best possible housing experience. We feel that providing nice looking grounds and areas for students to gather is part of that experience." Work for landscaping and the Village project is expected to be complete Spring 2012.
Work is also progressing on the Fine Arts Renovation, which is due to be complete by Fall 2012
"This renovation provides more music practice space, offices, art labs, (a) new choral practice room, and a much needed storage area." Yarbrough said.
"UTM has waited on the funding for this renovation project for many years and now forward to the funding of the phase two portion of this project that will provide a new music concert hall. "
There are current projects to replace the old, leaking roofs in Gooch Hall, the Steam Plant, and the Elam Center. Work is almost complete in the Library with work beginning in Gooch.
"We have a capital improvement project to upgrade various elevators on campus, Yarbrough said when asked about future projects coming up,
"The project is being designed by Horrell Group, Memphis, TN. Work started on the design last month. The exact scope and the elevators to be upgraded is still in progress."
"The University of Tennessee at Martin and the UT system work hard to keep our campus safe and attractive for our students, faculty, and staff. We are fortunate to receive capital projects to make these improvements"
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