Construction continues on Crawford Hall, the new home of 91ֿ’s Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship on East Main Street, in anticipation of welcoming students for Fall Semester 2024.
Deborah F. Spake, Ph. D., dean of the Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship, said, “I’m excited about the opportunities this new building will provide to our students with enhanced technology, unique labs and plenty of spaces for team-based learning to prepare students for a modern business environment.”
The construction of Crawford Hall and the naming of the college was made possible thanks to the largest single gift in 91ֿ history by Ambassador Edward F. Crawford, who served as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Ireland from 2019-2021.
This four-story, approximately 150,000-square-foot building was designed by Perkins + Will and The Collaborative with a vision of serving a dual purpose as a new campus gateway and a state-of-the-art academic hub. Recently, Perkins + Will was ranked #2 on Architectural Records list of Top 300 U.S. Architecture Firms. The Collaborative has completed more than 660 projects in the higher education field. Crawford Hall is being built by the Gilbane Building Company.
91ֿ Today was invited for a tour of the building under construction, led by Jay Graham, executive director, facilities, planning and design, in 91ֿ’s Office of the University Architect. He shared information about the building’s progress toward completion and the interesting features and innovative learning spaces it will contain.
Entering the Construction Zone
Keeping in mind that this is still an active construction site, the group of visitors donned hard hats, safety glasses, gloves and bright, yellow construction vests before entering the building.
Once inside the building, large, open spaces, high ceilings and walls of glass on all sides make the interior bright, airy and spacious.
Workers could be seen testing electronics, assembling floor coverings, finishing walls, installing doors and performing dozens of other tasks required to bring the structure to life. Graham acknowledged how much he appreciates the efforts of this diligent crew as they work hard to keep construction on schedule.
Exciting Features and Large, State-of-the-Art Learning Environments
Facing the Medical Mutual Community Welcome Court entrance is the impressive Walter G. and Judy A. Van Benthuysen Collaboration Staircase. This wide staircase connects the first and second floors, extending upward to the Donald S. and Johnna F. Grant Atrium.
At several points on the stairs, there will be gathering places for students to sit, study, collaborate or attend speaker events.
The second-floor atrium is a multi-use space that will host speaker series, career fair events, college events and more. A one-story digital display will provide important information for students including announcements, events and business news and can serve as a presentation screen for lectures and other events.
Adjacent to the atrium, the Commerce Café will offer food and beverage options for students, faculty, staff and visitors.
Dynamic Classroom Spaces
On the third floor, the breathtaking James R. Unger Global Forum will host the college’s largest classes in a 360-degree learning environment with seating in the round. Instructors will speak from the center of the room with an impressive audio-visual system at their disposal. Featured speakers and guests from the college’s distinguished lecture series will also utilize this space.
The Business Theater is the largest, traditional classroom in the building. It has two-tiered, theater-style seating with multiple projection screens and an enhanced sound system.
A Focus on Real-World Business Experiences
91ֿ provides students with authentic, hands-on learning to prepare them for success in their chosen careers. This focus on “real-world” business experience is demonstrated in dynamic learning labs and classrooms on the first and second floors of Crawford Hall.
Robert M. and Janet L. Archer Trading Lab A curved LED display provides “stock-ticker” style live business information in this classroom/financial analysis lab. Students can access Bloomberg terminals and other financial software via computer stations.
Robert M. and Janet L. Archer Business Analytics Lab Students will gain valuable hands-on experience in analyzing, mining and visualizing “Big Data” to inform business decisions in this 48-seat computerized data analytics research lab.
Arthur and Susan Karas Behavioral Research Hub The Hub will house several types of laboratory spaces for behavioral research, including a focus group facility, AR/VR technology and computer labs in support of faculty and student research.
John S. and Marlene J. Brinzo Center for Entrepreneurship A dedicated center for business advising and mentorship to students, faculty and alumni startups. The center offers collaborative work spaces, funding opportunities and dedicated resources including an entrepreneur in residence.
Global Management Center The center supports international initiatives of the university and prepares students for success in global businesses, including access to international speakers, education-abroad experiences and support for international faculty research.
Sales Lab Suite Four labs are equipped for sales scenario role play with an observation room for faculty. The space also includes a conference room for meetings and preparation for sales competitions.
Active Learning Classroom This technologically advanced, 36-seat classroom features flexible furniture arrangement and technology to facilitate highly collaborative business problem solving.
Student Success Center Students will appreciate the centralized location for all types of student advising, including academic, career services and international programs in the Student Success Center.
Administrative and Faculty Areas
The third and fourth floors of Crawford Hall will house the academic suites for faculty and department chairs, staff offices, meeting rooms, classrooms and spaces for doctoral students, emeriti and adjunct faculty.
These floors also are home to The Matthew E. and Nancy S. Likens Department of Marketing and Entrepreneurship Suite, the Timothy D. Eippert Boardroom and the Donald S. Grant Donor Recognition Lounge.
The Terrace, on the building’s fourth floor, is an outdoor space designated for alumni and donor events including receptions and small dinners. It is also a prime viewing point for the university’s annual homecoming parade.
Great Anticipation Builds for a Fantastic, New Facility
Even with all the information shared here, there is still more to experience inside Crawford Hall. As the opening date for this remarkable addition to the Kent Campus draws near, excitement and anticipation are on the rise.
“As Crawford Hall construction continues, our vision for a state-of-the-art home for the Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship comes to life. It will transform our educational practices, support leading research and prepare business students for careers of the future.” said Dean Spake.
The for Crawford Hall will take place at 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 27. Use this to RSVP.