By Evan Bentley
Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) announced the completion of a new pedway and the renovation of Keene Hall with a ribbon cutting on Aug. 7, 2024, marking a significant milestone in creating a safer campus that improves the student experience.
“These projects exemplify our priorities at Eastern Kentucky University,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “Every decision we make is driven by one guiding principle: enhancing the student experience. The new pedway responds to our students' call for increased pedestrian safety, while the Keene Hall renovation addresses the demand for a vibrant, traditional campus life. These developments mark an exciting new chapter for EKU and our students.”
“The opening of these two monumental structures quite literally bridges a gap. The new pedway will connect nearly 600 students in Keene Hall to the wider campus community,” said EKU Student Government Association President Will Lampert. “These enhancements not only provide modern, comfortable living spaces but also foster a stronger, more integrated student body, enriching the overall campus experience.”
The newly renovated Keene Hall will be home to 582 students. Originally built in 1969, the residence hall underwent extensive renovations to improve the living experience of its residents after being closed since the winter of 2019. Keene Hall reached capacity in record time when registration opened. Those in attendance at the ribbon cutting had the opportunity to tour the facility and see the renovations.
The pedway, crossing the Eastern Bypass, was constructed in response to student requests and connects the central campus to the south side campus. The south side of campus houses some of EKU’s facilities for top programs and events, including the Stratton Building and the College of Justice, Safety and Military Science, the Business and Technology Center and the EKU Center for the Arts. The new pedway provides a safe and efficient route for navigating the Campus Beautiful.
“Safety is a focal point of all projects occurring on campus. Students, faculty, staff and community members can now safely cross one of the busiest roads in Madison County,” said Bryan Makinen, chief campus operations officer.
The ribbon cutting celebrated not only the completion of the projects but also the partnership between EKU and the City of Richmond.
“As EKU has grown, so has the need for a more pedestrian-friendly campus. The new Eastern Bypass pedway will enhance safety while improving the travel experience for our Richmond community,” said the Mayor of Richmond, Robert Blythe. “We are proud to have our city’s name prominently displayed on this new pedway, highlighting the strong relationship between Richmond and EKU.”
Projects such as these and others enhance the Campus Beautiful and the student experience at EKU. Additional improvements to EKU’s campus are currently underway, including the renovation of Alumni Coliseum.