CLEVELAND, Miss. — Delta State University will move forward with several major campus improvement projects, including the long-awaited renovation of historic Ward Hall, after receiving state funding for construction, repair and infrastructure upgrades.
Through Senate Bill 3053, Delta State received $1,234,544 as part of a statewide appropriation for construction, repair and renovation projects at Mississippi’s Institutions of Higher Learning. Senate Bill 2189 also provided $6.8 million for campus facility upgrades and demolition projects, with most of the funding designated for Ward Hall’s restoration and the demolition of the Court of Governors to create new green space.
University President Dr. Daniel J. Ennis said the funding marks an important step in Delta State’s ongoing efforts to modernize campus facilities while preserving its historic identity.
“Ward Hall is such a historic and important part of Delta State, and we’re thrilled to be bringing it back online after it being closed for over a decade,” Ennis said. “It sends a message that this university has energy and is forward thinking.”
Built in 1930, Ward Hall will be converted into a modern residence hall while maintaining its historic exterior. The project adds to $6 million in previously secured funding and moves the university closer to the estimated $10 million renovation. Officials expect the building to reopen in fall 2028.
Dr. Edwin Craft, vice president for administration and chief financial officer, said the state appropriation will support construction and renovation priorities across campus while helping advance the Ward Hall project toward construction bidding.
The funding will also support demolition of the Court of Governors and development of a new campus green space designed for student and community use.
“This will be a space open for all to enjoy that will foster a deepening of our already extraordinary town-and-gown relationship,” Ennis said.
The appropriations come as Delta State continues several capital improvement projects, including renovations to Walter Sillers Coliseum, upgrades to softball and baseball lighting, installation of a new hangar door at the university airport, and improvements to Broom Hall and the university’s nursing school.
Additional work includes new flooring in Foundation Hall and campuswide HVAC upgrades affecting facilities such as Chadwick-Dickson, the Bologna Performing Arts Center, Kethley Hall, Ewing Hall, Wright Art Center, Jobe Hall, Broom Hall, Roberts-LaForge Library and the Delta Music Institute.
Roof repair and replacement projects are also underway across campus, along with wastewater and stormwater drainage repairs, an addition to Statesmen Boulevard and an Ewing Hall chiller upgrade.
“These are significant moves for the campus,” Ennis said, noting the projects represent a long-term investment in Delta State’s future.
Ennis said restoring Ward Hall has been a priority since he became president.
“When completed, it will once again be a centerpiece of this campus,” he said.
University officials said the latest appropriations and ongoing projects mark one of the most significant periods of campus reinvestment in recent years as Delta State prepares for continued growth entering its second century.
