Noel Studio Holds 'Groundbreaking'

Julie George, reference team leader at Crabbe Library, gave visitors a chance to see the space to be occupied by the Noel Studio for Academic Creativity following Sept. 19 ceremonies "breaking ground" for the new project. At right is Charles Hay, retired EKU Archivist. Even in its construction phase, the Noel Studio for Academic Creativity is symbolizing how the University’s historic commitment to student success is incorporating the latest in technology to better prepare students to communicate in the 21st century workplace. As a portion of Crabbe Library is renovated to prepare the Studio, work has revealed the stone arches that graced the original core of the library where the facility will be located. The arches had been plastered over in an earlier expansion, but there’s no hiding the excitement over how the Studio is expected to transform the learning experience for EKU students as it embodies the University’s Quality Enhancement Plan, which focuses on graduating informed, critical and creative thinkers who communicate effectively. That excitement was quite evident not only among the speakers at a “ground”breaking for the Studio on Saturday, Sept. 19, but among the dozens of Friends of the Library and others who toured the location. Dean of Libraries Carrie Cooper said the Studio “allows us to celebrate our past and make a mark on our future.” When complete, the Studio will provide cutting-edge research, writing, speaking and production services, all designed to enhance the preparedness of EKU graduates in every field of study. Presentation and writing coaches, as well as library staff, will be available to work with students individually and in small groups. Emily Newsom, senior accounting major, Honors Program participant and vice president of the SGA Residence Life Council, said the Studio will “create an atmosphere unlike anything ever seen on the Eastern campus or any other campus and graduate a student able to write, research and speak effectively.” The Studio will “serve as a model” for other institutions, the Studio’s new director, Russell Carpenter, said. “This vision will put EKU on the map nationwide in terms of student services and academic support (and) give our students a key competitive edge.” The ceremony’s final speaker, President Whitlock, said Eastern has “always done a good job” developing students’ critical thinking skills, “but we want to do a better job. We’ll look back at the development of the Studio as another transformational event in the history of Eastern Kentucky University.” Two of Crabbe Library’s original main entrances, closed since the addition of the Thomas and Hazel Little Building, will also come back into use, one as an outdoor reading porch and the other to provide direct access to the Studio. The Studio received a major boost with a gift of more than $1 million from Ron and Sherrie Lou Noel, of Union. Ron, a 1964 Eastern graduate, has served for several years on the EKU Foundation Board of Directors. Naming opportunities are still available. For more information on how to support the Studio, contact EKU Libraries at 622-1778 or visit www.eku.edu/development.

Published on September 21, 2010