Summerville Campus construction to improve connectivity, student success 

Designed to strengthen Augusta University’s position as a destination of choice for education and innovation, a series of phased construction projects on the Summerville Campus will continue through mid-2028. The projects will improve pedestrian connectivity, create new outdoor gathering spaces and enhance campus landscaping. 

Guided by feedback from students, university leadership and campus needs assessments, these projects were prioritized based on their ability to improve the day-to-day campus experience. Construction is currently focused on pedestrian sidewalks and bus stop improvements, with additional projects scheduled according to campus timelines to minimize disruptions to faculty, staff, students and visitors. 

“Our students are at the heart of every decision we make about our campuses,” said Augusta University President Russell T. Keen. “Something as simple as giving a student a safe, comfortable place to wait for the bus, rather than leaving them standing in the rain, shows that we see them, value them and care about their daily experience. These improvements are about creating a campus where students feel connected, supported and set up for success.” 

Improving pedestrian connectivity, landscaping

The entrance to the historic Summerville Campus is marked by the traditional brick archway framing the Russell A. Blanchard Fountain, and it will now feature a bus stop that blends the traditional architecture with modern features. According to Samantha Center, project manager with Facilities Management, the bus stop will provide a shaded space equipped with heaters and fans for students waiting on the JagExpress Shuttle Service. The bus stop will also include outdoor lighting, digital signage, electric outlets and an emergency call box. While construction will go into September, the front roundabout will be open by the first day of classes on Aug. 18 to allow for the regular bus route. 

“From an aesthetic and first impression perspective, the bus stop is going to have the biggest impact, but it will also provide increased comfort, safety and accessibility for students and visitors utilizing any campus transportation,” said Center. 

The campus sidewalks are receiving a major facelift with larger and more accessible paths that better connect to key areas on campus. The sidewalks will now accommodate larger groups walking together and emergency vehicles. Since construction will continue into September, an accessibility route has been established for the start of classes to ensure a safe, shortened walk when traveling between buildings.  

Additional landscaping projects include a new sprinkler system, sod, outdoor lighting and updated greenery. 

Outdoor gathering areas

There are several projects that will improve outdoor gathering spaces, including the construction of the Teardrop Rotunda, the Greek Life Plaza, Jaguar Student Activities Center outdoor tiered seating, a shaded hammock zone, and a shaded area over the D. Douglas Barnard, Jr. Amphitheatre.  

Center explains that designing outdoor spaces requires the consideration of aesthetics, functionality, accessibility, safety, traffic flow, gathering  opportunities and overall user experience. For example, projects like the plaza and rotunda will expand tabling opportunities for student organizations and campus activities. Similarly, the JSAC outdoor tiered seating will expand the existing outdoor patio, creating additional space for students to gather,  study and participate in events.  

“What’s exciting to me about all that is that each project really serves a different purpose,” she said. “Some improve how people move through the campus and others enhance the campus experience, while others enhance appearance. Together, they create an overall more vibrant, welcoming, and student-centered campus, which is something that Augusta University always strives to do.” 

The road ahead

While the phased construction will continue through mid-2028, the Facilities team and campus partners will continue coordinating closely with students, faculty, staff and contractors to minimize disruptions while maintaining daily campus operations.  

“We are investing in the future, while respecting the character that generations of students have experienced,” said Jon Vrandenburg, assistant director of Planning, Design and Construction. 

Once complete, the improvements will strengthen connectivity while still preserving the historic character that has shaped the Summerville Campus for generations.  

“A lot of the work that we do in Planning, Design and Construction is about creating places and enhancing existing structures where people can engage,” said Vrandenburg. “The physical campus and the buildings, they all shape how the students interact with one another and how they experience university life beyond the classroom.” 

Visit Planning, Design and Construction to learn more and to stay up to date about featured construction projects.