National Park College (NPC) celebrated the grand opening of Redbud Hall Wednesday, August 27, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by the Hot Springs Chamber Ambassadors.
Redbud Hall is NPC’s second on-campus residence hall, adding 190 beds and nearly doubling housing capacity to 400 students. The 42,000-square-foot facility, developed with Servitas and Lewis Architects and built by Buffalo Builders, marks a milestone in the College’s commitment to student housing and campus growth.
NPC President Dr. Wade Derden reflected on the vision that began with former President Dr. John Hogan.
“Dreams do come true. Several years ago, Dr. Hogan had a vision for housing on this campus. Our students consistently voiced their desire for on-campus living, and Dr. Hogan listened. In many ways, the completion of Redbud Hall is the culmination of his vision and leadership,” Derden said.
“Residency transforms a campus, and I believe it does so for the better,” Derden emphasized. “Redbud Hall is more than a building. It is a promise to our students, a commitment to their success, and a visible symbol of our growth as a college.”
David Braden, Senior Vice President of Operations for Servitas, praised the partnership that made the project possible and the lasting impact of on-campus living.
“This momentous occasion is a testament to the power of a shared vision, and it couldn’t
have happened without a fantastic team,” Braden stated.
“Over the past five years, Dogwood Hall has had a transformative impact on students’
lives, fostering friendships and unforgettable memories,” Braden noted. “With the
addition of Redbud Hall, we are opening the door for even more students to experience
the benefits of a live-learn environment.”
Additional remarks were shared by Jim Hale, Chair of the NPC Board of Trustees; Trey
Williams, Project Executive for Buffalo Builders; and Tyanna Lindsey, Residential
Director and NPC alumna.
Following the program, the Hot Springs Chamber Ambassadors led the ribbon cutting
alongside NPC leadership. Guests were then invited to tour both Redbud and Dogwood
Halls and enjoy a reception in the Redbud lobby.