Physicians Executive MBA alums help create student study space.
Not so long ago, students and professors walking to classes on the ground floor of Lowder Hall would frequently find themselves negotiating an obstacle course of laptop power cords, backpacks, and outstretched legs. Without a dedicated study area in that part of the building, students created space where they could—on the floor, in close proximity to power outlets.
That all changed in April with the unveiling of Lowder 23 as a transformed space for undergraduate and graduate students. Commitments from seven Physicians Executive MBA program graduates enabled the room to be reinvented as a place where students could work comfortably and collaboratively.
Once the home of the college’s Operations and Communications and Marketing units, Lowder 23 now boasts a vibrant color scheme, comfortable overstuffed furniture in the lobby sitting area, large dry erase boards, flat screen monitors, and new furniture.
“This open, interactive space gives students a place to relax, study, and collaborate on group projects,” says associate dean of graduate and international programs Stan Harris, “In the end, this space helps improve the student experience. This gives our students an opportunity to have a professional-looking space to meet with teams, work on projects together, and get away from the crowds a little bit. It represents what the real-world work space is like.”
The emphasis on “flexible” space with moveable furniture allowing for the easy reconfiguration of common areas and meeting rooms will be especially beneficial to undergraduate and graduate students. Executive program students can utilize the space during their residencies, but the meeting rooms also offer utility for undergraduate and graduate students working on presentations and group projects.
“While the executive students will have priority in this space while they are in residency, it will primarily be used by undergraduate business students, students who do not have team rooms, or quiet study space in Lowder Hall,” says Kim Kuerten, director of Executive MBA Programs. “I know this is a gift that will be appreciated by everyone in the years to come.”
Support for the renovation came from the following Physicians Executive MBA graduates:
Dr. James B. Steward (’05)
Dr. William L. Hawkins (’13)
D. Sanjeev Saxena (’13), in memory of his father and mentor Dr. Virendra M. Saxena
Drs. Tej and Simran Singh (’13 and ’14, respectively)
Dr. Vaughn S. Claudette (’13)
Dr. Walt Reid (’13)
