Since 2023, the Pauline A. Humphreys Building has been under construction. Due to the construction crews, many walkways are closed, classes are moved to different buildings and there are fewer parking spaces available for staff and students. Students and faculty alike are watching closely for more signs of progress.
“We are expecting to be substantially complete in mid-February 2026. UCM will still have some work to do with us and other contractors after that time,” Sawyer Kresse, Project Superintendent, said.
The Humphreys Building, one of the campus’s oldest buildings, is an 86,235-square-foot facility that houses both academic and non-academic programs. All major systems, including plumbing, electrical and mechanical, are being replaced. The updated design will feature open, collaborative spaces and serve as a central hub for student activity.
“The building was originally two separate buildings and we built the center section to connect both buildings. It is three separate structures, which has made it challenging because each structure has a different construction,” Paul Day, Design and Construction Project Manager, said.
Since Humphreys closed for renovations, departments like Criminal Justice, Occupational Risk and Safety Sciences and ROTC have been relocated to temporary classrooms and shifted schedules in classes. As a center point on campus, Humphreys was originally shut down in December 2023 due to asbestos and infrastructure issues. Some have been navigating this change as they anticipate Humphreys’ opening.
“The renovation has put us right about the Office of Admissions on the second floor of Ward Edwards. I am most looking forward to seeing what’s new and being back in Humphreys. The ROTC-specific classrooms had a unique vibe that made classes feel much more immersive,” said Jackson Crouse, a senior majoring in history, Public Affairs Officer and UCM Army ROTC.
Several academic and support services displaced by the Humphreys renovation have been reassigned to other buildings, resulting in less centralized access to faculty and program resources. These changes have affected how students are able to locate instructors, coordinate meetings and organize activities.
“The current state of Humphreys has made it especially difficult to communicate with professors or schedule meetings with them. It has also been challenging to find spaces for club meetings and other program-related events,” Avery Penn, a senior studying criminal justice, said.
When Humphreys reopens, students can expect modernized classrooms, expanded open spaces for collaboration, a new esports space and much more. The renovation also prioritized sustainability, with improved airflow, natural light and energy-efficient systems. It also addressed circulation challenges in entry points as they restore window openings. A new patio, staircase and decorative wood-paneled feature wall will be an addition to the building.
“I hope this will be a long-lasting improvement for the university. UCM has entrusted us to improve the building and overall experience for faculty, staff and students. We hope this will make a long-lasting impact on the university for decades to come as a space for positive collaboration, learning and overall growth for everyone involved at UCM,” Kresse said.
