The NPC Board of Trustees met for their regular monthly meeting Wednesday. Vice president for administration, Kelli Embry presented a resolution that would allow NPC to begin construction of a second on-campus housing facility.
Embry said, “I am excited to present Resolution 2022-D for additional on-campus housing. This resolution will allow us to finalize our partnership with Servitas for our housing project, which was approved as one of four initiatives in phase one of our new master plan.”
The demand for on-campus housing was evident last spring. The College was able to triple many double rooms and create space for more students, but the supply still fell short of student demand. A significant shortage of beds is anticipated this fall based on current leasing data.
In January 2022, NPC released a request for qualifications (RFQ) to identify a partner that would be able to design, build, and furnish a new residence hall. A campus committee reviewed the applicants and recommended Servitas to the Board of Trustees. The committee believes Servitas has shown to have the capacity to fund this project as well as design, build and furnish a 200-bed facility. The team estimates 60 units that could include a mix of 4x2, 2x1, and 2x2 double occupancy rooms.
Embry also noted that the resolution includes approval for NPC to fund portions of the project that will be reimbursed through the project financing. This will include an initial $250,000 pending authorization from the Arkansas Division of Higher Education, and $1 million that will be used to begin site work. Approval of these expenditures will allow the College to save time on the compressed construction schedule with an attempt to open for students in the fall of 2023.
Board Chair, Forrest Spicher added, "Our students can be more successful living on campus because they are provided with direct access to shared campus resources such as internet access, food service, library, tutoring services and more. They also make connections and can better participate as a member of the campus community. There are many reasons on-campus housing at NPC is a great investment. I appreciate the Board taking this step today."
NPC President, Dr. John Hogan said, "I'm grateful for the Board's continued vision to provide the resources our students need to be successful. One of those resources is safe, affordable housing, and now more than ever we need to provide that space on our campus. Research indicates that students are more likely to be more successful and complete if they live on campus, particularly when the on-campus experience encourages student learning and engagement."
