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Photo by Michael Ford

ADA Compliant — Willard Hall now features an area with an elevator, making it handicap accessible.

   The University of Arkansas at Monticello recently renovated Willard Hall. The primary upgrade consisted of making the building compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act by adding an elevator. 

   The School of Education, which resides in Willard Hall, relocated to the “red barn” during the renovation process, according to Peggy Doss, dean of education. The process started in May 2005 and concluded in July 2006. 

   “The renovations to Willard Hall are part of the overall Master Plan for the campus that was developed in 2005,” Chancellor Jack Lassiter said. “This renovation is similar to the work that will be done in Wells, Sorrells and Babin as we continue work on phase one of the Master Plan.” 

   In addition to an elevator, the building also received an improved heating and cooling system, a new paint job, new carpet, new windows, “smart rooms” and even CIV labs, which allows classes to be beamed to Phillips College in Helena, Ark., and to South Arkansas Community College in El Dorado, Ark. 

   Though the university hired contractors to handle the heating and cooling enhancements and the new windows, the maintenance crew and Information Technology department also helped with the overall renovation process. 

   “Jim Hutchinson and the maintenance crew worked night and day,” Doss said. “In May a lot still had to be done and they came over in force so we’d be ready this fall. I also want to give lots of credit to IT. Hoyle and his staff worked hard to get the CIV ready for this fall.” 

   Doss said they were still getting things cleaned up and weren’t quite ready for open house. 

   “I want to be sure to reflect our appreciation of the administration’s support of the School of Education,” she said.

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