By Hazel Scott/ASU
Alabama State University marked a historic moment on Wednesday, June 18, with the groundbreaking of two new student apartment complexes. The apartment communities are expected to open in Spring 2027. The construction will add approximately 552 beds to the University’s housing inventory, which currently has about 2,275 beds.
Hosted at the construction site, the ceremony brought together University leaders, students, friends, students, members of the Board of Trustees, construction partners, and alumni to mark the start of a transformative student housing development.
Various University leaders made brief remarks at the event.
“As an alumnus of Alabama State University, I’m filled with joy to know what we do here today will impact future generations. I’m so grateful to our Board of Trustees, my phenomenal leadership team, and all those who had a hand in helping us come to this point. We are excited about this because it’s a long time coming. It will help with our enrollment, provide the amenities here at Alabama State University, and it will be here for a long time to come,” said ASU President, Dr. Quinton T. Ross, Jr.
Ross emphasized that the new student apartment complexes are essential to the University’s strategic plan for enrollment growth and will address the needs of students who wish to live on campus. The last significant new construction at Alabama State University was the ASU Stadium, which opened in November 2012.
“Students and alumni often remind us that Alabama State University is synonymous with community, and we must create beautiful, welcoming spaces where this sense of belonging flourishes,” Ross added.
Ross noted that the development of additional student housing has been in the works for several years and that once the plan was approved, it took a year and a half to get to this point.
“We are excited! The funds are secured, our contractors have been selected, and they will soon begin work on our outstanding facilities,” he added. “Our institution was able to go to Wall Street in New York. Not all institutions have this opportunity, but our strong financial position allowed us to approach Wall Street directly. We successfully closed a deal worth approximately $87 million in the bond market,” Ross emphasized.
The ASU Board of Trustees approved plans for the new student housing in September 2024. The Board’s action came after a presentation of architectural renderings detailing the scope of the major construction.
Board president, Brenda Brown Dillard, delivered a heartfelt greeting, setting a tone of gratitude and anticipation for the project ahead.
“Today is an emotional day for me. We are the present-day Marion Nine, and they would be smiling down upon us today,” Dillard said.
“This moment marks the making of history. On behalf of ASU’s Board members, we are incredibly grateful for this occasion. It took a dedicated team to bring this to fruition. President Ross, you are a visionary. Today marks a significant milestone for Alabama State University.”
Dejun Trotman, ASU Student Government Association President, spoke on behalf of the student body. Johnson shared his enthusiasm for the new student apartment complexes and reflected on the resilience and loyalty shown by the on-campus student community.
“These new residential halls (student apartments) are about vision and progress. These additional complexes represent ASU’s commitment to enhancing the student experience and investing in our future,” Trotman said. “As a student leader, I am happy to see our leadership take bold steps in supporting the success and well-being of our student body. This is how we build legacy, one addition at a time.”
Project Summary
Donald Dotson, vice president of Facilities Management and Operations at ASU, who is overseeing the construction of both projects, remarked that the groundbreaking ceremony marks an important milestone for the ASU Campus.
“It’s a great time to be a Hornet! …None of this could have been done without the vision and knowledge of our leadership, Dr. Quinton T. Ross, Jr.,” Dotson said. “When we started this journey in 2018, we saw how ASU could be — a University built on commitment, legacy and a promise of a bright future. Thank you, Dr. Ross, for your vision in expanding the University’s footprint. These student apartments have finally become a reality, and I’m happy to be an integral part of this initiative.”
The new complexes, as Dotson explained, provide apartment-style living that better suits the lifestyle and learning needs of ASU’s students. “Both complexes will be built simultaneously so that they are constructed and ready for occupancy as quickly as possible,” Dotson said.
The project's principal architect, Johnny Raines, III, of BDW Architects in Montgomery, Alabama, designed the concepts and developed detailed plans to produce renderings of the project sites. The first project, located on Forest Avenue just behind the ASU Stadium, will feature 288 beds and represent the East Side of the campus. The second project will be constructed on South University Drive, where the Cynthia Alexander Apartments were once situated, and will include 264 beds.
“For BDW, it's a privilege to help shape a space where generations of Hornets will live, learn, and grow. We believe great design supports excellent outcomes, and we are proud to be partners in building a legacy that extends beyond the campus and into the heart of this city. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of this exciting journey,” said Raines.
Dr. Malinda Swoope, vice president for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, said the student apartment complexes are important, tangible benefits to students. Studies have shown that on-campus living can lead to measurable increases in academic success, critical thinking skills, life skills development, and a sense of belonging. Some studies indicate that students who live on campus tend to achieve higher GPAs and higher graduation rates.
“Today starts more than the start of construction. It’s a bold step into the future of Alabama State University. In the past year, we have seen an increase in student enrollment and retention rate. This growth reflects our momentum, and with it comes the need for additional housing to support our students’ success,” Swoope said. “These new residential halls (student apartments) are not just buildings, they are launching pads for dreams, connections, and success stories. Students asked and Dr. Ross answered. History is being made brick by brick.”
Click here to see the photo gallery from today's Groundbreaking Ceremony: https://asu-photos.exposure.co/groundbreaking-for-new-residence-halls-at-alabama-state-university