Since The University of Alabama purchased the property of the historic Bryce Hospital facility in 2010, many have wondered exactly how the University would make use of the 168 acres of space just off Hackberry Lane. Continuing with its remarkable pace of expansion, this week the University announced the master plan of the Bryce campus expansion, and the proposed construction will advance the University towards being a leader in many areas of higher education.
An important aspect of a university is the student body, whose diversity of strengths creates a unique environment for learning and growing. As the University population continues to grow, current infrastructure will struggle to support the hordes of students, as a drive across campus on a school day shows. Sewage, drainage, power and road infrastructure improvements are a large part of the expansion, and these features will alleviate some of the growing pains. The new construction provides a new outlet to and from campus, and many University ancillary services are being relocated to the outskirts, keeping some of that traffic out of the heart of campus. Infrastructure allowing for more students to come to the Capstone will provide for a richer, more diverse college experience, which is invaluable and raises the quality of education for everyone.
The most recent major campus addition, the construction of Shelby Hall and surrounding science and engineering buildings, proved that the University is committed to being on the cutting edge of science and engineering programs. With plans to build new homes for the department of theatre and dance and the graduate school on the Bryce campus, the University is showing that it is committed to being a leader in all areas of higher education. This should be encouraging for all students, not just theatre majors, because a more encompassing university is a more complete university.
Many people are bothered by the constant construction and expansion of the University. However, this expansion results in a university that excels at numerous areas, rather than focusing on one. This, accompanied with an increase in student population from in-state and out-of-state alike, results in a more diverse workforce for Alabama in the foreseeable future. In an increasingly competitive global economy, it is important that Alabama’s flagship university is capable of exceeding at all forms of higher education, and doing so will ensure Alabamians’ role in shaping the country and the world for years to come. “The Capstone of Higher Education” will become just that – the crowning achievement of the state’s public school system.
Kyle Simpson is a sophomore majoring in biology. His column runs biweekly.
